Kern County Authorities Dismantle Alleged Large-Scale Narcotics Trafficking Operation
Above: Evidence confiscated during the investigation
(Photo credit: Kern County Sheriff’s Office)
The Kern County Sheriff’s Office and the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force have reportedly concluded an investigation into the alleged large-scale trafficking of narcotics in the county.
According to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office, authorities on June 20th served search warrants at two residences and a ranch property in southeast Bakersfield as part of the operation.
Authorities served search warrants on the 4700 block of Cottonwood Road, the 3400 block of Anderson Street, and the 1900 block of Missouri Avenue, respectively.
The investigation reportedly also led to the arrest of one individual and the seizure of significant quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana.
The Sheriff’s Office identified the individual as 42-year-old Simon Solorio of Mexico City.
Authorities allege that Solorio used several residences and a ranch property to conceal the operation.
Agents seized a total 40 pounds of methamphetamine, 76 pounds of processed marijuana, and a loaded handgun, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Gang Suppression Section, officers from the Bakersfield Police Department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, as well as agents from the Bakersfield offices of Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration reportedly assisted in the operation.
Solorio was later booked on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for the purposes of sales, and maintaining a residence for drug sales, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
