“Removing illegal drugs and those who sell them from our communities helps to keep our neighborhoods safe.  We appreciate and value the lengthy investigative work conducted to acquire search warrants that resulted in the  arrests of  two suspects in this investigation.”

–CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

KERN COUNTY -On December 20, 2023, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (KC-HIDTA) concluded a lengthy narcotics investigation with the execution of search warrants at two residences in Bakersfield:

• in the 100 block of Hudson Drive
• and 300 block of McKee Road, across from McKee Middle School.

The investigation resulted in the arrest of two adults and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, firearms, and U.S currency derived from narcotics sales.

During the investigation, Erik Gutierrez, 18, and Horlando Garcia, 25, both of Bakersfield, were suspected of conspiring together for the purpose of narcotics sales and illegal weapon possession.  A search of the residences revealed:

• more than 38 pounds of cocaine,
• 2 ½ pounds of heroin,
• more than a pound of methamphetamine,
• several hundred (M-30) laced fentanyl pills,
• additional evidence of narcotics sales,
• 4 handguns,
• and large sums of U.S currency.

Members from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, (CEP Team) assisted the KC-HIDTA Task Force in the investigation.

Erik Gutierrez and Horlando Garcia were booked for the following charges:

• possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales,
• maintaining a residence for drug sales,
• possession of a controlled substance while being armed with a loaded firearm,
• and conspiracy to commit a crime.