Police arrest two in Costa Mesa drug bust

Costa Mesa police seized a cache of painkillers and psychoactive drugs and arrested a man and woman Tuesday after raiding an Orange Avenue apartment.

Selene Sillapa, 26, of Costa Mesa, who lived in the apartment, was arrested on suspicion of possession for sale and transportation of controlled substances, according to police.

Police said Binh Thai Nguyen, 30, of Westminster showed up at the apartment during the raid with more than two ounces of cocaine. He was arrested on suspicion of possession for sale.

A police investigation began three weeks ago, after neighbors became suspicious of frequent comings and goings at the apartment in the 2500 block of Orange Avenue. Police got a warrant and searched the three-bedroom apartment at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

They found more than five pounds of marijuana, several hundred Ecstasy tablets, crystal methamphetamine and other drugs, along with more than $4,900 in cash, police said.

Sillapa and Nguyen were booked into Costa Mesa Jail. Nguyen was expected to appear in court today, and Sillapa posted bail, Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Paul Dondero said.

Police questioned and released two men and one woman at the apartment.