BAKERSFIELD - On April 18, 2019, investigators from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Southern Tri-County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (STC-HIDTA), with the assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, and California Fish and Wildlife, arrested six people involved in the cultivation, distribution, and operation of illegal marijuana dispensaries, weapons violations and narcotics violations in Bakersfield.
Investigators seized:
- more than 353 pounds of processed marijuana,
- approximately 14,324 grams of marijuana concentrate,
- approximately 1,421 grams of marijuana edibles,
- 313 marijuana plants,
- 15 firearms including an illegally converted automatic Glock handgun,
- a flame thrower,
- and more than 500 rounds of ammunition.
“Cases such as this can be very dangerous for the investigating and arresting officers,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “I am grateful to those who put their lives on the line to remove illegal drugs and weapons from our communities.”
Isac Vera was arrested for the illegal cultivation of marijuana, maintaining a residence/business for purpose of narcotics sales, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of a machine gun, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Yessina Mendoza was arrested for the illegal cultivation of marijuana, maintaining a residence/business for purpose of narcotics sales, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of a machine gun, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Larry Smith was arrested for the illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Clay Turk was arrested for the illegal cultivation of marijuana and maintaining a business/residence for purpose of narcotics sales.
Joshua Wright was arrested for the illegal cultivation of marijuana.
Alex O'Neal was arrested for the illegal cultivation of marijuana.
