Undercover Drug Bust at Local Grill Snags Bartender

An undercover drug bust at a local bar and grill resulted in the arrest of two people including the bartender, leaving patrons shaken and surprised.

Gerry Sanchez, a district administrator for Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), said an investigation began at in May after receiving complaints of narcotics activity at the business.

The bartender, 41-year-old Sherrie Calderon of Newport Beach, was arrested along with 33-year-old Francisco Ramirez of Chino for sale and furnishing of cocaine.

Patrons of the bar and grill said they were shocked by the arrest. Witnesses said officers entered the grill Thursday afternoon around 5 p.m. and asked patrons to exit to the front while the arrests were made.

"I thought when we came back in that Sherrie would be behind the counter and we could ask her what was wrong," patron Ted Watts said.

Watts said the activity was an anomaly for the business he said he has known for around 15 years.

Happy's owners did not wish to comment Friday.

Sanchez said Friday that an investigation is continuing in connection with the arrests. ABC coordinated the operation with local law enforcement and has exclusive jurisdiction over places that sell alcohol, Sanchez said.

Calderon was booked Thursday at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Industry station and was released after midnight on $30,000 bail.

Ramirez is being held at the sheriff's San Dimas station on $30,000 bail.