Undercover operation led to eight arrests in Eureka’s Old Town area

WatchUndercover operation led to eight arrests in Eureka's Old Town areaby Ireland Lehner

Eight suspects were arrested during undercover methamphetamine investigations in Eureka's Old Town area July 14 and Oct. 6, 2026. (Courtesy: Scott Olson/Getty Images)Comment on this story0CommentShare storySharetopics: EurekaMethamphetamineUndercoverDrug task forceArrestsHumboldt CountyHealth and Safety CodeOld TownEureka, Calif. — Two undercover narcotics operations in Eureka's Old Town area led to eight arrests and multiple methamphetamine seizures, according to the Humboldt County Drug Task Force.

The operations conducted July 14 and Oct. 6, targeted suspected drug sales in the area with assistance from the Eureka Police Department (EPD) and Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) POP team.

During the first operation July 14, undercover agents purchased methamphetamine from five people identified as Socimo Zepeda, Jeremy Mills, Annalise Perry, Charles Ryan and Carmelita Phillips.

Following the purchases, task force agents and Eureka police officers arrested all five suspects. During Mills' arrest, agents found approximately 12.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine in his possession.

All five were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on suspicion of violating California Health and Safety Code Section 11378, which prohibits possession of a controlled substance for sale.

A second undercover operation took place Oct. 6, with assistance from the EPD Community Safety Engagement Team and the HCSO POP team.

During that operation, undercover agents purchased methamphetamine from three people identified as Zachary Riffe, Charles Riley and Lance Ostlund.

Riffe and Riley were arrested in Old Town, while Ostlund was later stopped in a vehicle and taken into custody. During a search following his arrest, agents found approximately 14 grams of suspected methamphetamine in his possession.

All three were booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on suspicion of violating Health and Safety Code Section 11378.

The Humboldt County Drug Task Force said it remained committed to working with local law enforcement agencies to reduce narcotics throughout the county.