What starts as a simple vehicle stop can lead to major discoveries—as seen in two recent incidents, according to the Orange County Sheriff Department’s North Patrol.
On October 24, at around 11 p.m., North SET Deputies conducted a vehicle stop in unincorporated North Orange County, recovering approximately 40 grams of fentanyl, 30 Xanax bars, 10 grams of methamphetamine, and $538 in U.S. currency.
The following day, on October 25, deputies conducted a vehicle stop in Midway City, locating ¼ pound of methamphetamine for sales, drug paraphernalia, personal identifying information used for check fraud, and confirming felony warrants. Two suspects were taken into custody.
Here are the likely penalties the suspects could face under California law based on the reported items and circumstances:
- Fentanyl possession with intent to sell
- Felony charge
- 16 months to 3 years in state prison
- Fines up to $20,000
- Methamphetamine possession for sale
- Felony charge
- 2 to 4 years in state prison
- Fines up to $20,000
- Xanax (benzodiazepines) possession for sale
- Felony charge under Health & Safety Code §11375
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in jail
- Drug paraphernalia possession
- Misdemeanor under Health & Safety Code §11364
- Up to 6 months in county jail and/or $1,000 fine
- Identity theft (Penal Code §530.5)
- “Wobbler” offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Felony: 16 months to 3 years in jail and fines up to $10,000
- Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in county jail and $1,000 fine
- Check fraud (Penal Code §476)
- Misdemeanor or felony
- Up to 3 years in jail
- Felony warrants
- Penalties depend on underlying charges; warrants themselves don’t add time but ensure custody until resolution of those felonies.