July 11, 2026 – Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on May 15, 2026, deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station began to investigate a suspect who was selling various illicit substances, targeting juveniles throughout the Coachella Valley. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Manuel Guerra Meza, a 19-year-old resident of Coachella.

On July 10, 2026, deputies located Meza driving his vehicle in the area of Dina Shore Avenue and Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, where he was taken into custody without incident. With the assistance of the La Quinta Traffic Team, La Quinta Special Enforcement Team, La Quinta Business District Team, and the Coachella Community Action Team, a search warrant was served in the 86000 block of Calle Geranio, Coachella.  During the service of the warrant, deputies seized several marijuana vape pens, psychedelic mushrooms, approximately $25,000 in US currency, and a firearm with an altered serial number.

Meza was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for furnishing marijuana to a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, and willful harm to a child.

This investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details are available at this time. Anyone with information related to this or similar incidents is encouraged to contact Deputy Olivares at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at (760) 863-8990.

Reporting Supervisor: Sergeant Mark Chlarson

File # LA261390084

Source & photo: Riverside County Sheriff's Office