Just before 9:00 a.m. on Sunday — while most people were still working on their first cup of coffee, a police officer made contact with a male and discovered 91 grams of methamphetamine and 1 gram of fentanyl in his pocket, according to the Fullerton Police Department.
Needless to say the suspect was arrested and is facing serious charges.
Moral of the story: It’s way too early in the morning for that kind of nonsense… but not too early for good police work. Drugs off the street before breakfast? The FPD will take that win.
Street value of the seized illegal narcotics
Based on 2025 and early 2026 data for Southern California, the estimated street value of the narcotics seized in Fullerton is between $2,000 and $4,500.
Estimated Value Breakdown
- Methamphetamine (91 grams):
- Price Range: Street prices for methamphetamine in California currently average $20 to $40 per gram.
- Calculation: 91 grams x $20–$40 = $1,820 to $3,640.
- Wholesale Note: While a bulk “pound” price is significantly lower (approx. $700/lb), 91 grams (approx. 3.2 oz) is typically sold at high-level retail or mid-level wholesale prices.
- Fentanyl (1 gram):
- Price Range: A single gram of powdered fentanyl on the street typically ranges from $150 to $200 in Southern California.
- Calculation: 1 gram = $150 to $200.
- Potency Note: While only 1 gram, this amount is considered highly significant by law enforcement due to its extreme potency; one gram can contain hundreds of potentially lethal doses.
Total Estimated Street Value
The combined total for the 91 grams of methamphetamine and 1 gram of fentanyl is approximately $1,970 to $3,840. Depending on the local purity and specific “deal” being made at 9:00 a.m., law enforcement estimates may reach as high as $4,500 if calculated by the individual dose (e.g., $5–$20 per dose).
Penalties faced by the suspect
In 2026, a suspect caught with 91 grams of methamphetamine and 1 gram of fentanyl in Fullerton, CA, faces severe felony charges under California’s Health and Safety Code. The quantity of methamphetamine (91 grams is roughly 3.2 ounces) strongly suggests “possession for sale” rather than simple personal use.
Likely Criminal Charges
- Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale (HS 11378): This is a “straight felony” in California.
- Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail.
- Fine: Up to $10,000.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale (HS 11351): This charge specifically applies to narcotics like fentanyl.
- Sentence: 2, 3, or 4 years in county jail.
- Fine: Up to $20,000.
Aggravating Factors and Enhancements
- Ineligibility for Diversion: Because these are “possession for sale” charges, the suspect is ineligible for drug treatment programs (such as Proposition 36 or PC 1000) that allow some users to avoid jail time.
- Proposition 36 Impact (2024 Reform): Under the new 2024/2025 reforms (Prop 36), if this suspect has two or more prior drug convictions, they could face a treatment-mandated felony for the drugs themselves, or enhanced prison sentences for repeat offenses.
- Federal Prosecution Risk: Due to the 91 grams of methamphetamine, this case could potentially be referred for federal prosecution. Federal sentencing for methamphetamine trafficking (over 50 grams of a mixture) carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Collateral Consequences
- Drug Offender Registration: A conviction for HS 11378 requires mandatory registration with local law enforcement as a drug offender.
- Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a conviction for possession for sale is an “aggravated felony” that typically leads to mandatory deportation and a permanent ban from the United States.
- Professional Impact: Conviction results in a permanent felony record, which may disqualify the individual from many forms of employment or professional licensing.