FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A monthslong, multi-agency investigation dubbed “Operation Klean Strip” led to the discovery and dismantling of two large-scale clandestine methamphetamine conversion labs in Central California, according to law enforcement officials.
Investigators uncovered ice chests filled with liquid methamphetamine, zip-top bags of crystal meth and tables stretching across an entire living room covered with drying methamphetamine inside the two operations.
The investigation involved federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Officials said it began after they received a tip that individuals were purchasing large quantities of 5-gallon containers of Klean Strip acetone from Home Depot stores throughout the Valley.
“Acetone plays a well-known illicit role in illicit drug production, particularly in the later stages of methamphetamine processing,” Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni said.
The investigation first led authorities to a home in Bakersfield, where they discovered a methamphetamine lab and seized nearly 721 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, along with a meth solution.
Brian Tosh, FBI Special Agent in Charge, described the meth solution as especially hazardous.
“A volatile mixture of hazardous chemicals- this material is far more dangerous to handle or store then the crystal product. It posed a serious threat to nearby communities and to law enforcement personnel who processed the evidence,” Tosh said.
According to a federal affidavit filed in the case, suspects used coded language in text messages, referring to acetone as “soap” or “shampoo.”
As the investigation continued, authorities discovered a second methamphetamine lab at a home on the outskirts of Visalia. Officials said the lab contained more than 1,400 pounds of methamphetamine.
Sheriff Zanoni said methamphetamine “super labs” were more common in rural areas of the Valley during the early 2000s. During a Thursday news conference, he said the criminal enterprises may have ties to Mexican cartels.
“With the increase in our border security and the restrictions at our borders, they have switched back to bringing the chemicals in and some of the other products, and they’re making it here locally now and that’s why we’re seeing the larger amounts,” Zanoni said.
Officials said the operation resulted in the execution of 16 search warrants and the arrest of nine people, who are now facing federal conspiracy charges. In addition to dismantling the two labs, investigators seized 20 firearms, 4,000 marijuana plants, and $20,000 in drug proceeds.
“We will pursue all of the available charges and seek the maximum sentences for all of these defendants,” says U.S. attorney Eric Grant, Eastern District of California.
Sheriff Zanoni said the suspects involved in transporting and producing large quantities of methamphetamine are having a deadly impact on communities.
“Those individuals that transport hundreds and thousands of pounds of these drugs and they make it and are producing it, they’re killing people in our communities,” Zanoni said.
If convicted, the defendants could face 10 years up to life in prison and fines up to $10 million.
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