Three people were arrested after authorities discovered $1.2 million worth of methamphetamine during a drug bust operation in Northern California.
Following an investigation by federal and state authorities, agents served a search warrant at a Turlock property where 280 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and eight firearms were found.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene, the California Attorney General’s Office announced on March 5. The meth lab on site was dismantled and processed by lab-certified California Department of Justice (DOJ) special agents and task force officers.
Inside a wooden structure, agents found various common items associated with methamphetamine conversion laboratories including propane tanks, propane burners, acetone containers and fans.
Three people were arrested after authorities discovered 280 pounds of crystal methamphetamine worth around $1.2 million during a drug bust operation in Turlock, California. (California Attorney General’s Office)
Agents with the DOJ’s Merced Area Gang & Narcotic Enforcement Team (MAGNET) obtained forensic samples of various liquids and recovered several fingerprints for analysis.
The California Department of Toxic Substances was contacted for the destruction of hazardous materials and equipment related to the lab.
“This is truly an example of the good work that happens when multiple agencies come together for one, unified mission,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Stopping the production of illegal drugs isn’t just about law enforcement, it is about protecting families, saving lives, and defending the future of our communities. Public safety is job number one, and the California Department of Justice will continue to work for it, both in the courtroom and on the ground in our communities. Thank you to our state, local and federal partner agencies for their collaboration.”
The significant bust was part of a larger operation led by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office SAINT (Sacramento Area Intelligence Narcotics Team) and Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office CNEU (Calaveras Narcotics Enforcement Unit).
The search warrant was executed by personnel with the California DOJ, Sacramento Area Intelligence and Narcotics Team (SAINT), Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“As part of California DOJ’s task force program, the participating agencies of MAGNET work in collaboration to combat drug trafficking organizations, violent repeat offenders and organized crime,” the attorney general’s office said in a statement.
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