Gang Task Force Allegedly Finds Marijuana, Cash During Traffic Stop

A recent traffic stop conducted by members of the Murrieta-Temecula Regional Gang Task Force led to the arrest of a Wildomar man when more than a pound of marijuana was allegedly found in his vehicle.

Ricardo Samano-Flores, 25, was stopped on suspicion of a vehicle code violation at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, near Temecula Parkway and Anza Road in an unincorporated of Temecula, according to a news release written by Murrieta police Sgt. Don Weller.

Weller, the MTRGTF supervisor, said Samano-Flores was allegedly found to be in possession of the marijuana and an undisclosed “large amount of U.S. currency.”

“In addition, there were other items of evidentiary value located that indicated the driver was transporting and was in possession of the marijuana for sale or distribution,” Weller stated.

Samano-Flores was arrested on suspicion of transportation and possession of marijuana for sale.  

He was booked into Southwest Detention Center near Murrieta, and released later that afternoon on $20,000 bond, jail records showed.

Anyone with information related to this investigation was asked to contact Sgt. Weller by phone at 951-461-6318. Information may also be provided anonymously through “We Tip” by calling 1-800-78-CRIME.

Editor’s Note: The outcome of these allegations, as well as the facts, may change as the case progresses through the legal system. Not all details of each investigation are made public. All items are alleged to have occurred. There should be no assumption of guilt.