Porterville Police Department Makes Significant Arrests in Methamphetamine Trafficking Operation
Above: Stock Image
“Press Release Incident:
Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales
Transportation of Methamphetamine for Sales
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Driving While Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
Convicted Felon in Possession of Pepper Spray
Driving on a Suspended License
Driving without an Ignition Interlock Device
Violation of Parole
Date/Time:
February 17, 2024 / 8:03 P.M.
Location:
600 Block of East Isham Avenue, Porterville
Suspect(s):
Bertha Rivera, 52 years old, Porterville resident
Alejandro Vasquez, 28 years old, Porterville resident
Summary:
On February 17, 2024, at 8:03 P.M., detectives with the Porterville Police Department conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle in the 500 block of East Date Avenue. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Bertha Rivera. Rivera was determined to be driving with a suspended license and she was required to have an ignition interlock device installed in her vehicle. Furthermore, detectives determined that Rivera was under the influence of a controlled substance. A search of Rivera’s vehicle revealed her to be in possession of methamphetamine possessed for sales and transported for sales. Rivera, a previously convicted felon, was also found to be in possession of narcotic paraphernalia and pepper spray.
Based on the evidence located in Rivera’s vehicle, detectives responded to Rivera’s residence in the 600 block of East Isham and executed a search warrant, which had been granted by a Tulare County Superior Court Judge. During the search of Rivera’s residence, detectives located additional methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and evidence of methamphetamine sales. While at the residence, Alejandro Vasquez arrived and was determined to be in violation of the terms and conditions of his parole.
Bertha Rivera was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales, transportation of methamphetamine for sales, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, being a convicted felon in possession of pepper spray, driving on a suspended license, and driving without an ignition interlock device. Rivera was booked at the Tulare County South County Detention Facility and held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Alejandro Vasquez was arrested for being in violation of the terms and conditions of his parole. Vasquez was booked at the Tulare County South County Detention Facility and held with no bail.
The report was submitted to the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office for review. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at (559) 782-7400 or through our departmental Facebook or Instagram page. Those who have information may also provide it anonymously.”
