December 24, 2023 - Kern County Sheriff's Office officials report that on December 20, 2023, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (KC-HIDTA) concluded a lengthy narcotics investigation with the execution of search warrants at residences in the 100 block of Hudson Drive and 300 block of McKee Road, across from McKee Middle School, Bakersfield. The investigation resulted in the arrest of two (2) adults and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, firearms, and U.S currency derived from narcotics sales. 

During the investigation, Erik Gutierrez (age 18) and Horlando Garcia (age 25) both of Bakersfield were found to be conspiring together for the purpose of narcotics sales and illegal weapon possession. A search of the residences revealed over 38 pounds of cocaine, 2 ½ pounds of heroin, over 1 pound of methamphetamine, several hundred (M-30) laced fentanyl pills, along with additional evidence of narcotics sales. 4 handguns were located and large sums of U.S currency were seized as proceeds from drug sales.

Members from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, (CEP Team) assisted the KC-HIDTA Task Force in the investigation. 

Erik Gutierrez and Horlando Garcia were booked into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Lerdo Justice Facility for the following charges: possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales, maintaining a residence for drug sales, possession of a controlled substance while being armed with a loaded firearm, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Source & photo: Kern County Sheriff's Office