September 8, 2021 - On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, detectives with the Special Investigation Unit wrapped an investigation which resulted in the service of two search warrants in Modesto. Recovered from these warrants included approximately 224-pounds of methamphetamine with a street value exceeding $448,000. Investigators estimate the street value of crystal methamphetamine to be roughly $2,000 per pound of finished product.

Ricardo Ballardo, 33, and Juan Suarez, Jr., 28, were both taken into custody for three felony charges each, which included possession of a controlled substance for sale, transporting, selling, and controlling a prohibited substance, and attempted possession for sale of a controlled substance. Investigators also seized an excess of $18,000 in cash which was believed to have been used in the commission of illicit drug sales.

Suarez and Ballardo are both being held at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center in lieu of $5 million bail.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office