July 6, 2023 - KERN COUNTY, Calif. — On July 5, 2023, a traffic stop by a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer led to the discovery and seizure of approximately 497 pounds of methamphetamine.

On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a CHP officer conducted an enforcement stop on a 2014 Honda Accord on White Lane, at Wible Road, in Kern County. During the contact, the officer noted several indicators of criminal activity and deployed his canine partner, "Bart," on the exterior of the Honda. The canine gave a positive alert to the odor of narcotics and a probable cause search was conducted. During the search, "Bart" located approximately 97 pounds of methamphetamine inside of the trunk of the Honda. The driver and passenger were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Kern County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine for sale and transportation of methamphetamine. The case was turned over to the Kern County Hight Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Team.

Following the traffic stop the HIDTA team served a search warrant on the suspects residence in the city of Shafter. During the search, agents discovered an active methamphetamine conversion lab. The lab contained approximately 100 gallons of liquid methamphetamine. The solution has the potential of being converted into approximately 400 pounds of methamphetamine. A total of four suspects were taken into custody at the residence and will be booked into the Kern County Jail on manufacturing and possession for sales charges.

The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.


Source: CA. CHP