BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Administration/Bakersfield Police Department Joint Task Force initiated an investigation into a large-scale drug distribution operation occurring in the greater Bakersfield area, resulting in the seizure of multiple pounds of methamphetamine as well as the arrest of two men.
An extensive multi-agency investigation was conducted with representatives from the Bakersfield Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Agency, Kern County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Police said that on Tuesday, the investigation led to a vehicle stop conducted in Tulare County by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. The vehicle was driven by 44-year-old Moises Garcia of Bakersfield. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 10 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.
Three search warrants were then executed throughout the city of Bakersfield and Lamont area, resulting in the overall seizure of 22 pounds of solid methamphetamine, 123 pounds of methamphetamine in solution and money, police said.
During the execution of one of those warrants, police said 41-year-old Ismael Garcia, of Bakersfield, was discovered attempting to destroy the methamphetamine by dumping the narcotics into a clothes washing machine filled with water.
Garcia was prevented from destroying any further evidence and was arrested, Sgt. Mary DeGeare said.
The combined street value of the methamphetamine seized was $5,266,400 DeGeare said.
The total value of money seized was $144,000 DeGeare said.
Three vehicles were determined to be involved in the illicit operation and were seized, DeGeare said.
Two rifles and two handguns also were seized as part of the investigation.
Moises Garcia and Ismael Garcia were arrested on charges of conspiracy and distribution of a controlled substance.
The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California
An extensive multi-agency investigation was conducted with representatives from the Bakersfield Police Department, United States Drug Enforcement Agency, Kern County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Police said that on Tuesday, the investigation led to a vehicle stop conducted in Tulare County by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. The vehicle was driven by 44-year-old Moises Garcia of Bakersfield. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 10 pounds of suspected methamphetamine.
Three search warrants were then executed throughout the city of Bakersfield and Lamont area, resulting in the overall seizure of 22 pounds of solid methamphetamine, 123 pounds of methamphetamine in solution and money, police said.
During the execution of one of those warrants, police said 41-year-old Ismael Garcia, of Bakersfield, was discovered attempting to destroy the methamphetamine by dumping the narcotics into a clothes washing machine filled with water.
Garcia was prevented from destroying any further evidence and was arrested, Sgt. Mary DeGeare said.
The combined street value of the methamphetamine seized was $5,266,400 DeGeare said.
The total value of money seized was $144,000 DeGeare said.
Three vehicles were determined to be involved in the illicit operation and were seized, DeGeare said.
Two rifles and two handguns also were seized as part of the investigation.
Moises Garcia and Ismael Garcia were arrested on charges of conspiracy and distribution of a controlled substance.
The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California