When Alcoholic Beverage Control agents went undercover inside Michelle's Bar on West 6th Street in Corona, they discovered there was a lot more going on inside than the consumption of beer, wine and spirits. As a result of their investigation, they arrested six people, suspended the bar's liquor for 30 days and placed the premises on probation for three years. The notice of suspension was posted on March 20, 2014 .
During the undercover operation, ABC agents, working closely with Corona police, were able to purchase illegal drugs (methamphetamines) from two patrons on more than one occasion. A bartender inside the business was aware of the illegal activity.
Of the six people arrested, the charges include:
- sales of a controlled substance,
- conspiracy to sell controlled substances,
- possession for sales of a controlled substance,
- parole violations,
- being under the influence of a controlled substance,
- possession of narcotics paraphernalia,
- public intoxication,
- and possession of fraudulent identification
If any similar violations occur within the next three years, ABC has the authority to revoke the license.
"Just searching this establishment on the internet, one can gain a knowledge of the place's past and clientele," said Alan Barcelona, president of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA). "I would suspect, employees at the neighboring businesses are relieved that ABC agents and Corona police moved in. Undercover drug buys are always risky and I thank ABC agents for enforcing drug and alcohol laws. It is this type of enforcement that helps to keep us safer out on the roads and in our communities."
