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Santa Barbara County deputies seize pounds of fentanyl
Traffic stop leads to discovery of over 2 pounds of fentanyl and 8 grams of methamphetamine
Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:18am
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A Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputy's traffic stop led to the seizure of more than two pounds of fentanyl and 8 grams of methamphetamine from a Lompoc resident on Sunday. The deputy pulled over the driver, Erica Racheal Ruvalcaba, after observing signs she was driving under the influence of drugs. A search of her vehicle uncovered the drugs hidden inside a subwoofer speaker.
Why it matters
The seizure of such a large quantity of fentanyl is significant as law enforcement continues efforts to combat the opioid crisis impacting Santa Barbara County. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that has contributed to a rise in overdose deaths nationwide.
The details
Shortly after 1:30 a.m., a deputy noticed Erica Racheal Ruvalcaba's car swerving out of its lane on Highway 101 near Summerland. After pulling her over, deputies observed signs that Ruvalcaba was driving under the influence of drugs. A search of her vehicle led to the discovery of 8 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 2 pounds, 6 ounces of fentanyl hidden inside a subwoofer speaker.
- On Sunday, March 18, 2026, shortly after 1:30 a.m.
The players
Erica Racheal Ruvalcaba
A resident of Lompoc who was arrested for DUI, possession of fentanyl for sale, transportation or sale of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that conducted the traffic stop and seized the drugs.
What’s next
Erica Racheal Ruvalcaba was booked into the Santa Barbara County Main Jail but has since bailed out. The case remains under investigation.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat the opioid crisis in Santa Barbara County, where the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl is a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking and overdose deaths.
