Patrol officers went above and beyond this Labor Day weekend, taking more drugs and illegal weapons off our streets, according to the SAPD.
Police officers served a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of W. Richland Ave. involved in suspected narcotics sales.
During the warrant, officers arrested the suspect and recovered:
- $98,000 in cash
- 4 lbs. of methamphetamine
- Approximately 12 lbs. of marijuana
- 1 stolen firearm, 1 shotgun, and 1 rifle
The SAPD thanks the Santa Ana community for reporting suspicious activity and to their officers for their proactive work in keeping Santa Ana safe.
Based on the SAPD’s recent Labor Day weekend operation, the suspect involved in the drug and weapons bust on W. Richland Ave. may face the following charges under California law:
Likely Charges:
- Sale or Transportation of Controlled Substances
- Health & Safety Code § 11352 (for substances like methamphetamine and marijuana)
- Penalties:
- Felony conviction
- 3, 4, or 5 years in state prison
- Up to 9 years if drugs were transported across county lines
- Fines up to $20,000
- Methamphetamine-Specific Charges
- Health & Safety Code § 11379
- Penalties:
- 2, 3, or 4 years in prison
- Enhanced penalties for large quantities or transportation
- Possession for Sale
- Applies when large quantities and packaging materials are found
- Felony penalties similar to sales charges
- Possession of Marijuana for Sale
- Health & Safety Code § 11359
- Felony if over legal limits or intended for distribution
- Possession of a Stolen Firearm
- Penal Code § 496(a)
- Felony or misdemeanor depending on circumstances
- Unlawful Possession of Firearms
- Penal Code § 29800 (if suspect is a felon or prohibited person)
- Penal Code § 30605 (if any firearm is classified as an assault weapon)
- Felony charges possible
- Maintaining a Place for Drug Sales
- Health & Safety Code § 11366
- Felony charge for using a residence for ongoing drug transactions
If minors were involved, or if the location was near a school or shelter, aggravating factors could increase sentencing severity.