APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Deputies with the Apple Valley Police Department Gang Enforcement Team arrested a 30-year-old man Thursday afternoon after a traffic stop led to the discovery of suspected narcotics and thousands of dollars in cash.
The stop occurred at about 2:13 p.m., February 19, 2026, near the intersection of Iroquois Road and Mockingbird Avenue for multiple vehicle code violations.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies located approximately 2.5 ounces of suspected cocaine and 1.5 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, along with additional evidence consistent with illegal narcotics sales, according to a written statement.
According to a written statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the driver, identified as Apple Valley resident Eric Claudio, was detained without incident.
Through their investigation, deputies identified a residence associated with Claudio in the city of Hesperia.
A search warrant was authored and served at that location, where deputies recovered approximately $18,000 in U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from illegal narcotics sales, according to the written statement. The suspected narcotics were sent to the Sheriff’s crime lab for analysis.
Claudio was transported and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for possession of a controlled substance for sale. He is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.
“The Apple Valley Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement efforts that disrupt narcotics trafficking and improve the safety and quality of life for our community,” officials said in the written statement.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Apple Valley Police Station at (760) 240-7400 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or leave information at www.wetip.com.
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