HSI dismantles large-scale Los Angeles-area drug lab
Investigators seize nearly $5 million worth of chemicals, crystal methamphetamine and marijuana
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Seven men, all originally from Mexico, were arrested on state criminal charges Thursday following U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations' (HSI) discovery of a drug lab inside a residence in the Mission Grove neighborhood of Riverside and a related marijuana grow at another home nearby.
Six of the men, ages 22 to 51, are facing possible drug charges. The seventh suspect is being held for questioning in connection with an ongoing murder probe out of Sacramento. The men were detained after HSI special agents executed state search warrants at three Riverside residences. The case has been referred to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for potential prosecution.
At one of the homes, located in the19000 block of White Dove Lane, investigators recovered more than 40 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and approximately 40 pounds of finished crystal methamphetamine. The liquid methamphetamine would be enough to produce another 250 pounds of crystal meth, which currently sells on the street in California for as much as $1,000 an ounce.
Besides the cache of chemicals, the Mission Grove residence also featured other equipment consistent with a drug manufacturing operation, including two propane tanks hooked up to a makeshift stove for "cooking" the liquid meth and several freezers in an upstairs bedroom for use in completing the crystallization process.
"There's no question this seizure has dealt a significant blow to the criminal organization behind this drug trafficking scheme," said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge of HSI Los Angeles. "Methamphetamine is a powerful drug that devastates entire communities. By keeping this dangerous contraband from reaching our streets, we've potentially saved untold lives."
The probe into the drug manufacturing scheme is ongoing, but HSI special agents say preliminary evidence indicates the methamphetamine in the residence was likely smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico in liquid form, then converted into its crystalized form at the drug lab for subsequent distribution.
In addition to the home on White Dove Lane, HSI special agents also executed search warrants at two other Riverside residences, one of which housed a marijuana grow. At that location, in the 17000 block of Twin Lakes Drive, investigators discovered 300 marijuana plants and 230 pounds of processed marijuana. The processed marijuana has an estimated street value of approximately $1 million. Additionally, the operation resulted in the seizure of four firearms, including a stolen rifle, and $70,000 in cash.
HSI received substantial assistance with the enforcement action from the multiagency Inland Regional Narcotic Enforcement Team (IRNET); the Riverside and Fontana police departments; the Riverside County Sheriff's Department; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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