Man arrested on drug charges by Irvine police (Corrected)

Irvine police arrested a man for allegedly selling prescription drugs Friday, concluding a three-month investigation, according to a press release.

Detectives arrested Anaheim resident Anthony Risberg, 37, for sales and transportation of a controlled substance and weapons violations, police said. Police said detectives witnessed Risberg selling drugs and then arrested him. His bail was set at $25,000.

After the arrest, detectives searched Risberg’s vehicle and found about 150 oxycodone pills, two loaded handguns and two magazines for a weapon not in the vehicle. Detectives later searched Risberg’s residence and found additional weapons, including an illegally altered assault rifle.

FOR THE RECORD:
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated the suspect was allegedly found with 150 pounds of oxycodone. In fact, he allegedly had 150 oxycodone pills.

Police believe Risberg obtained pills from someone with a prescription and sold them for profit. Police are not sure if those with prescriptions are obtaining the drugs illegally.

Risberg is employed in sales and has no connection to the medical or pharmaceutical profession, police said.

Irvine police are focusing resources on illegal activity surrounding prescription drugs. Officers alerted parents to the dangers of prescription and synthetic drug use at a community meeting Thursday. Police will conduct a Drive-up/Drop-off Drug Take-Back event at the Irvine Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27.

— Bryce Alderton