Alleged Meth Dealer Caught Amassing Armory

An accused methamphetamine dealer caught hoarding weapons and riot gear was arrested in Temecula.

Temecula resident Michael Ortiz, 32, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine for sale, being a convicted felon possessing firearms and ammunition, possession of steroids, altering serial numbers on firearms, and using narcotics, according to sheriff's Sgt. Vance Stolte.

Ortiz was arrested around 2 p.m. on Winchester and Margarita roads for being a parolee at large, the sergeant said.

Temecua Police Department's Special Enforcement Team then raided his home in the 29600 block of Monte Verde and found he was amassing an armory.

"Special Enforcement Team members located nine guns consisting of rifles, handguns and sawed-off shotguns. Officers also located over an ounce of methamphetamine, a sophisticated surveillance system, which included police scanners, digital cameras and documents encrypting police radio codes," Stolte wrote. "A gas mask and ballistic riot helmet were also located. The residence contained extensive narcotic paraphernalia, packaging and numerous other items consistent with the possession of narcotics for sale."

Two other people were arrested at the home.

Rita Basquez, 46, of Temecula, was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, being under its influence and maintaining an unlawful place.

Anthony Offidani, 47, also of Temecula, was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine, possessing it and a firearm, being a convicted felon possessing a firearm, maintaining an unlawful place, possessing paraphernalia and being under the influence, according to Stolte.