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Tag Archives: drugs

Car thieves arrested in Tustin charged with drug offenses as well

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In the early morning hours this Thursday, Tustin Police Department officers located a stolen vehicle in the area of Red Hill Ave and El Camino Real. The vehicle had been stolen from the Arcada Homes in Tustin less than 24 hours before.

Jose Pineda-Cabrera and Leslie Mendoza were arrested for charges including possession of stolen property, vehicle theft, and drug offenses.

Both were booked into jail and the vehicle was returned to the owner.

As a theft prevention measure, please do not leave your vehicle running and unattended. The initial investigation showed the vehicle was taken from a residential driveway moments after being left in that condition.

Former H.B. police investigator charged with stealing drugs from a suspect’s car

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SANTA ANA, Calif. – A former Huntington Beach Police Department crime scene investigator has been charged with stealing drugs from an attempted murder suspect’s vehicle, ingesting the drug, and then driving a police vehicle under the influence.

Sean Patrick Lotts, 53, of Huntington Beach, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of embezzlement by a public official, one misdemeanor count of seizing property under the color of authority, and one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence.

Lotts is scheduled to be arraigned on April 7, 2021 at the Stephen K. Tamura Justice Center in Westminster in Department W1. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in the Orange County Jail if convicted on all charges.

On January 23, 2020, Lotts was working as a crime scene investigator for the Huntington Beach Police Department when he was assigned to photograph a vehicle belonging to an attempted murder suspect. While processing the vehicle, Lotts is accused of taking photos of several pills found inside the vehicle and ingesting at least one of the pills. The pills were later identified as Flualprazolam, a rare designer drug.

Lotts is then accused of driving a Huntington Beach Police Ford Explorer to his home while under the influence of the drug.

Lotts resigned from the Huntington Beach Police Department in lieu of termination.

“I am disappointed and angered by this conduct. As the elected District Attorney, it is my responsibility to prosecute corrupt police officers and law enforcement personnel,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “The public has an expectation that law enforcement employees – whether they are sworn or civilian – will conduct themselves in a way that is in accordance with the laws they are tasked with enforcing. It is ludicrous that someone processing a crime scene would even think of – much less act on – stealing evidence from a crime scene and then using that evidence for their own recreational purposes.”

Deputy District Attorney Frank Acosta of Special Prosecutions is prosecuting this case.

The Fountain Valley Police shut down a large marijuana grow operation

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The Fountain Valley Police Department investigated a suspected illegal marijuana grow operation at a Fountain Valley home located at the 85oo block of Cape Cod Ave. and they found more than 650 marijuana plants, more than 450 pounds of “dried marijuana product” and equipment believed to be used to cultivate marijuana.

The police began to investigate the residence after receiving complaints from the neighbors about the home near Newland Street and Talbert Avenue.

The following eight subjects within the residence were arrested for the cultivation, harvesting, and maintaining of a marijuana grow:

  • 47 year-old Oanh Le of Midway City
  • 32 year-old Trang Bui of Fountain Valley
  • 60 year-old Tuoi Nguyen of San Francisco
  • 36 year-old Kim Nguyen Pham of San Francisco
  • 44 year-old Ly Nguyen of Anaheim
  • 47 year-old Minh Nguyen of Fountain Valley
  • 38 year-old Cuong Hoang of Fountain Valley
  • 42 year-old Long Thai of Fountain Valley.

The suspects were arrested on suspicion of cultivating, harvesting and maintaining a marijuana grow, according to the Fountain Valley Police.

The SAPD will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Dec. 18 at an undisclosed location

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Santa Ana, California – Santa Ana Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 18, 2020, from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM at an undisclosed location within the Santa Ana city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“The safety of our community is and always will be our top priority,” said Chief of Police David Valentin. “During this unprecedented time due to the pandemic, our Department personnel have continued to focus on proactively addressing impaired drivers.”

The Santa Ana Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Suspects arrested after dumping Fentanyl during a traffic stop in Orange

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Yesterday, at around 2:30 pm, City of Orange Police Department officers stopped two male adults in a vehicle in the 800 block of S. Tustin Street. Upon contact, one of the suspects discarded fentanyl onto the ground.

The surrounding area was immediately evacuated and paramedics responded to assist with potential exposures.

No officers or suspects were injured in the incident. However, six officers and the two suspects were transported to local hospitals as a precautionary measure.

The suspects were arrested for possession of narcotics and destruction of evidence.

Police officers were surveilling the car and two men as a part of a narcotics investigation, according to the Orange Police Department.

Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl. It is sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/or cocaine as a combination product—with or without the user’s knowledge—to increase its euphoric effects, according to the CDC.

The Orange police arrested a suspect who was passed out while his car was on

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This morning, Orange Police Department officers responded to a call of a male passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle near our local hospitals at La Veta and Pepper.

When they arrived the police officers found that the car was in gear and the suspect’s foot was on the brake. Officers turned off the car and the suspect woke up.

As the suspect exited the car, he attempted to run away but was quickly taken to the ground. A loaded handgun was located in the suspect’s waistline.

Officers contacted the registered owner of the vehicle and discovered it was stolen earlier that morning. The vehicle was returned to the owner.

The suspect is on parole, suspected of being under the influence of drugs and in possession of methamphetamine.

The suspect was booked at Orange County Jail. He was not identified by the Orange Police Department.

The Orange Police Department expressed their gratitude for their partners at the O.C. Sheriff’s Department, who stopped by to assist. The Sheriff’s Department patrols the nearby OCTA and OC Assessor’s offices.

Congressman Correa supports the federal marijuana decriminalization bill

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Congressman Lou Correa applauded the passage of H.R. 3884, the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, one of the most comprehensive marijuana reform bills ever introduced in the U.S. Congress.

The MORE Act aims to correct the historical injustices of failed drug policies that have disproportionately impacted communities of color and low-income communities by decriminalizing marijuana at the federal level, reassessing marijuana convictions, and investing in local communities.

Also Included in the MORE Act is Congressman Correa’s amendment to medical research on cannabis’s effects on veterans’ health. Since entering Congress, Rep. Correa has fought to ensure veterans have access to medicinal cannabis as an alternative to dangerous opioid-based medications. The Congressman’s amendment ensures additional research is conducted on the efficacy of cannabis in treating PTSD, chronic pain, and other service-connected ailments affecting veterans.

Rep. Lou Correa said, “For years, federal law has been at odds with the will of the American people. Countless Americans of all backgrounds support the decriminalization of cannabis with more than half of all Americans living in a jurisdiction where cannabis is already legal in some form. Today’s vote realigns federal law with the will of the people.

“The passage of the MORE Act is a great leap forward in undoing the damage caused by the war on drugs and in establishing a safe and well-regulated cannabis marketplace. And most of all, today’s vote takes us one step closer to ensuring all veterans have access to medicinal cannabis as an alternative to dangerous opioids often prescribed to treat PTSD, chronic pain, and other wounds won on the battlefield. There is more work to be done, but today is a good day for all Americans.”

Background

Congressman Lou Correa has been leading the charge to decriminalize cannabis and improve medicinal access for patients who depend on cannabis to treat chronic pain, PTSD, and other ailments. The Congressman is an original cosponsor of the MORE Act and has worked hand-in-hand with stakeholders and patients to reform cannabis laws in the United States.

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act:

  • Decriminalizes marijuana at the federal level by removing the substance from the Controlled Substances Act. This applies retroactively to prior and pending cannabis convictions and enables states to set their own policy.
  • Requires federal courts to expunge prior cannabis convictions, allows prior offenders to request expungement, and requires courts, on motion, to conduct re-sentencing hearings for those still under supervision.
    • Authorizes the assessment of a 5% sales tax on marijuana and marijuana products to create an Opportunity Trust Fund, which includes three grant programs:
    • The Community Reinvestment Grant Program: Provides services to the individuals most adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, including job training, re-entry services, legal aid, literacy programs, youth recreation, mentoring, and substance use treatment.
    • The Cannabis Opportunity Grant Program: Provides funds for loans to assist small businesses in the marijuana industry that are owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
    • The Equitable Licensing Grant Program: Provides funds for programs that minimize barriers to marijuana licensing and employment for the individuals most adversely impacted by the War on Drugs.
  • Opens up Small Business Administration funding for legitimate cannabis-related businesses and service providers.
  • Provides non-discrimination protections for marijuana use or possession, and for prior convictions for a marijuana offense:
    • Prohibits the denial of any federal public benefit (including housing) based on the use or possession of marijuana, or prior conviction for a marijuana offense.
    • Provides that the use or possession of marijuana, or prior conviction for a marijuana offense, will have no adverse impact under the immigration laws.
  • Requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on the demographics of the industry to ensure people of color and those who are economically disadvantaged are participating in the industry.

About Representative Correa

Rep. Lou Correa represents California’s 46th Congressional District. He serves as Chair of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, and as the Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.

The article above was released by the office of Congressman Lou Correa (D-CA46).

The Garden Grove Police made a big drug bust

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The Garden Grove Police Department got a tip about a suspect who was selling narcotics in their city.

Garden Grove Community Impact Unit (CIU) officers initiated an investigation and over the weekend, the suspect was seen leaving his residence. A vehicle was stopped and a search was conducted.

With the assistance of the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), a search warrant was then served on his house.

The SIU officers found 1,078 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, 309 grams of cocaine base, 66 MDMA pills, $4,670 in cash and evidence indicative of a cocaine conversion lab was also located and seized.

The suspect was subsequently arrested and booked.

The suspect was not identified by the Garden Grove Police.

Now is a really bad time to use drugs or get drunk in Newport Beach

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We already posted about the Newport Beach Police plans to go after loud cars this month and the DUI checkpoint they are conducting on Dec. 11. Now they have announced that for the next two weeks they are going to be focusing on catching folks on drugs or alcohol. So if you are going to go party in Newport Beach you better be good! Here is their press release:

Press Release – Spread Holiday Cheer: Drive Sober This Holiday Season

The holidays will feel a bit different this year, but one thing that has not changed is choosing a sober way to go.

This holiday season, The Newport Beach Police Department encourages the community to make sure every holiday celebration ends with a sober driver.

Starting November 30th and through December 15th, The Newport Beach Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, officers will be actively looking for other unsafe driving practices – speeding, not wearing a seat belt, driving distracted, not yielding to bicyclists or pedestrians – to make sure everyone has a safe holiday.

“2020 has been a tough year so let’s try and end it on a good note by being safe on the road during the holidays,” said Lieutenant Damon Psaros. “Taking simple safety measures helps make sure we can all enjoy the holidays.”

The Newport Beach Police Department reminds drivers that driving high does not fly. Marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications may impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

“There’s no joy in a DUI,” Sergeant Wolik said. “Sober is the way to go.”

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Newport Beach Police Dept. is conducting a DUI checkpoint on Dec. 11

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If you are planning on getting drunk in Newport Beach, on Dec. 11, watch out! The Newport Beach Police Department is conducting a DUI Checkpoint that night. Here is their official press release:

The Newport Beach Police department will be Holding a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, December 11th, 2020

The Newport Beach Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint December 11th,  from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the Newport Beach City limits. 
 
Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
 
During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
 
With the easing of stay-at-home restrictions and more bars and restaurants being allowed to open, the Newport Beach Police Department is committed to keeping the public safe.
 
“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission,” Lieutenant, Damon Psaros said. “We are still out there in the middle of a pandemic because driving under the influence is still dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.”
 
The Newport Beach Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about “driving or operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
 
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
 
Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
 
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Santa Ana man’s meth lab shut down by the F.V. police

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On November 17th, 2020, a narcotics related search warrant was executed by the Fountain Valley Police Department at the 17000 block of Stearns Drive in the unincorporated area of Santa Ana, near the City of Tustin. Christian Gibbons, a 28-year-old Santa Ana resident, was contacted inside his rented suite within the residence.

An operational meth lab consisting of various chemicals, heating instruments, and lab equipment was located inside Gibbons’ suite.

Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, Methamphetamine Clandestine lab, and Crime Lab teams responded and assisted with processing the scene. Approximately two ounces of methamphetamine were located during the search.

Members of the household (including children) were unaware of Gibbons’ illegal activity and unduly subjected to hazards associated with manufacturing methamphetamine.

Gibbons was subsequently arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, manufacturing of a controlled substance, and child endangerment. He is being held at the Orange County Jail on $75,000.00 bail. Incident 20-38289

Drug prevention classes for Santa Ana youth

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The City of Santa Ana has partnered with America On Track to offer Drug Prevention & Life Skills Classes for youth. America On Track will be hosting weekly virtual classes for youth in elementary, middle and high school. The age-appropriate classes begin during the week of Nov. 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. and you can still enroll.

The curriculum is focused on preventing and or reducing alcohol, tobacco/vape, marijuana, opioid and methamphetamine use among youth. These FREE weekly classes strive to give youth the confidence and skills necessary to handle challenging situations.

Registration is required. Weekly prizes and a grand prize will be provided to participating youth who complete the program. All youth are encouraged to participate and learn to live a drug free life!

High School Sessions – Mondays, 4-5 p.m. 10 sessions, Nov. 16 – Feb. 1.

Middle School Sessions – Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. 15 sessions, Nov. 18 – March 10.

Elementary School (4th & 5th Grade) Sessions – Fridays, 4-5 p.m. 8 sessions, Nov. 20 – Jan. 29.

English Registration Link
https://americaontrack.wufoo.com/forms/m80w4bb1ep4ub0/

Spanish Registration Link
https://americaontrack.wufoo.com/forms/myc7mq1g1kato/

Weekly prizes (Gift Cards) and a grand prize (i.e. Hoverboard, AirPods, etc.) will be provided to participating youth who complete the program.

Clases de Prevención de Drogas para Jóvenes de Santa Ana

La Ciudad de Santa Ana se ha asociado con America On Track para ofrecer clases de prevención de drogas y habilidades para la vida para jóvenes. America On Track ofrecerá clases virtuales semanales para jóvenes de primaria, secundaria y preparatoria. Las clases apropiadas basada en edades comienzan durante la semana del 16 de noviembre de las 4 p.m. a las 5 p.m. y todavía se puede registrar.

El plan de estudios se centra en prevenir o reducir el consumo de alcohol, tabaco/vapeo, marihuana, opioides y metanfetaminas entre los jóvenes. Estas clases semanales GRATUITAS se esfuerzan por brindar a los jóvenes la confianza y las habilidades necesarias para manejar situaciones desafiantes.

Es necesario registrarse. Se proporcionarán premios semanales y premios grandes a los jóvenes participantes que completen el programa. ¡Se anima a todos los jóvenes a participar y aprender a vivir una vida libre de drogas!

Sesiones de la escuela Secundaria – lunes, 4-5 p.m. 10 sesiones, noviembre 16 – febrero 1.

Sesiones de la escuela Intermedia – miércoles, 4-5 p.m. 15 sesiones, noviembre 18 – marzo 10.

Sesiones de la escuela Primaria (4 y 5 grado) – viernes, 4-5 p.m. 8 sesiones, noviembre 20 – enero 29.

Enlace de registro en inglés
https://americaontrack.wufoo.com/forms/m80w4bb1ep4ub0/

Enlace de registro en español
https://americaontrack.wufoo.com/forms/myc7mq1g1kato/

Se proporcionarán premios semanales (tarjetas de regalo) y premios grandes (como Hoverboard, AirPods, y más) a jóvenes participantes que completen el programa.

The SAPD seized more guns and drugs over the weekend

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SAPD Directed Patrol police officers stopped a vehicle in the area of 3300 S. Main St. on Sunday. During a search of the front passenger who was on parole, officers located a firearm inside his backpack.

Gang Detectives stopped a vehicle for traffic violations in the area of the 55 Freeway and MacArthur Blvd. Detectives contacted the driver of the vehicle and noticed a small amount of methamphetamine on the floorboard. A loaded AR 15 rifle with extended mags, 1/2 pound of methamphetamine, and $1,700.00 in US Currency was located in the trunk of the vehicle.

SAPD MET Detectives were conducting crime suppression in the area of Edinger Ave. and Standard Ave. and stopped a vehicle for traffic violations. The driver was found to be on federal probation and in possession of drug paraphernalia. Detectives searched the vehicle and recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun under the passenger’s seat.

Gang Detectives stopped a vehicle for minor traffic violations. The front passenger in the vehicle immediately fled on foot while the female driver stayed in the vehicle. While apprehending the suspect, a loaded semi-automatic pistol fell out of his waistband. The driver of the vehicle was in possession of one ounce of methamphetamine.

While conducting a traffic stop, Gang Detectives recovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a large quantity of methamphetamine from inside the vehicle.

While responding to a call of a domestic dispute, SAPD Patrol Officers determined a man who lived there was on probation for being in possession of a firearm. Two firearms were recovered from the residence.

All suspects involved were arrested for felony and firearm violations.

The Costa Mesa Police busted four robbery suspects and seized their gun and drugs

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On Tuesday morning, Costa Mesa police officers responded to a call for assistance at a residence. When officers arrived at the scene, they found four adults in their 30s.

They recognized one of the men as a suspect in a robbery that had occurred the day before at a hotel room, as well as another robbery from the previous week. The second suspect from the hotel robbery was also there. The third man was on parole and had methamphetamine on him. The fourth was a woman who had a warrant out for grand theft.

The police officers found stolen property and drugs inside the residence. With the assistance of K9 Bodi, the gun used in both robberies was also located.

All four of the suspects were arrested, drugs were taken off the street, and that’s one less felon with a gun.

Santa Ana man and two others arrested with guns and drugs in Garden Grove

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Due to an increase of criminal activity in the resort district because of the low occupancies, Garden Grove Police Department officers have been conducting high visibility patrol in the area.

On October 17, 2020 at 7:21 PM, Garden Grove police officers were patrolling the parking lot of the Delta Hotel (‪12021 Harbor Blvd.)‬ when they observed a parked Hyundai displaying license plates belonging to a BMW.

Three subjects were loitering near the vehicle and after seeing the police, they drove off.

The vehicle was driven by a female later identified as Jessica Haffener (50-years-old, of Carpinteria ) who is a convicted felon on active AB109/PRCS supervision.

Also in the car was Luis Zermeno (25-years-old, of Fullerton) who is a convicted felon on active parole and has a gang affiliation; and Abraham Magallon (45-years-old, of Santa Ana) who is on active AB109/PRCS supervision for a prior felony robbery conviction and has a gang affiliation.

The vehicle was stopped and investigated for improper display of the license plates. During the stop, Zermeno ran from officers and was taken into custody a short distance away. After securing him, officers located a loaded 9mm firearm concealed on his person. The handgun was reported stolen from another county. Zermeno was also in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine and heroin.

Haffener was found to be renting several rooms at the hotel. During a search of the rooms, officers located an AR-15 type rifle, rifle ammunition, high capacity magazines, and illegal narcotics.

Magallon was in possession of methamphetamine on his person and was issued a citation. Haffener and Zermeno were later booked at Orange County Jail.