November 4, 2025 – Kern County Sheriff’s Office officials report that Search warrant results in the seizure of approximately 953.9 pounds of methamphetamine and over 2,725 pounds of methamphetamine in solution, the dismantlement of a large methamphetamine conversion lab in a residential home in North Bakersfield and the arrest of 5 suspects.
On October 30, 2025, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, KC-HIDTA Task Force, Special Services Unit, and Kern County Probation concluded a narcotics investigation that led to the dismantling of a large-scale methamphetamine conversion lab in a residential neighborhood.
A search warrant was served at a home in the 400 block of Rian Noelle Ct. in Bakersfield. The operation resulted in the seizure of 953.9 lbs. of methamphetamine, over 2,725 lbs. of meth in solution, dangerous chemicals, and 5 arrests.
During the investigation, Christian Castro (29), Kymberly Lopez-Garcia (22), and Jesus Felix-Castro (26) were stopped on Hwy 99 near Delano with approximately 10 lbs. of meth. Fausto Zazueta-Beltran (49) was found at the lab, and Casimiro Violante-Lopez (46) was arrested at a separate location in Bakersfield.
All five suspects were arrested for their roles in operating the clandestine lab and booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility on multiple felony charges including Manufacturing a controlled substance, Possession for sale, Transportation of a controlled substance, Maintaining a residence for drug sales, Conspiracy.
Casimiro Violante-Lopez was also wanted in connection to a 2021 KC-HIDTA case involving 53 lbs. of meth.
Kern County Environmental Health and Code Compliance responded due to hazardous materials on-site. The District Attorney’s Office and Regional Crime Lab processed the scene for evidence.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of our local and federal partners to keep dangerous drugs off our streets and protect our communities.
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood held a press conference regarding the dismantlement of a large-residential methamphetamine conversion lab.
View video here.
Source & photo: Kern County Sheriff’s Office