SAN BERNARDINO – A methamphetamine conversion lab, operating in the county community of Hinkley, was raided, two people arrested while law enforcement agents seized over $7 million in meth products.
This week, Miguel Angel Sanchez, 24, and Jorge Valdez, 34, both of Hinkley, appeared in San Bernardino Superior Court, each facing two felony counts.
They had been booked at the San Bernardino County Jail, currently held on $1 million bail for felony charges of manufacturing and possession of the sale of methamphetamine.
It was state Attorney General Kamala D. Harris that announced the arrest of both men. State Department of Justice agents, along with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department detectives, raided the Hinkley location, seizing a total of 206 pounds of crystal methamphetamine along with 250 gallons of liquid methamphetamine.
Authorities stated the liquid form was capable of producing 1,250 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
The street value of all methamphetamine is estimated at $7.2 million, according to a media release.
California is the epicenter of methamphetamine trafficking and distribution, said Harris in a release. “Methamphetamine is one of the most toxic drugs available, destroying the bodies and minds of countless people.”
Harris says she has made it a priority in the state’s task forces to stop its sale and manufacturing.
“This bust,” she said, “significantly reduces the amount of methamphetamine on our streets …”
The investigation was headed by the state Department of Justice task force, leading agents to a residence at 37767 Mountain View Rd. in Hinkley, according to law enforcement reports. It was believed that a methamphetamine conversion lab was being operated.
Agents got a search warrant for the raid, which included state DOJ, county sheriff’s, California Highway Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations all taking part.
“Drug use undermines traditional values,” said County Sheriff John McMahon, “and it is our responsibility to put an end to it.”
Said San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos: “We look forward to prosecuting these individuals to the fullest extent of the law and sending the message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated in San Bernardino County.”
Photos from the seizure can be found at https://oag.ca.gov/news.
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