KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – An investigation conducted by the Lake County Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force has resulted in six arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, processed marijuana, marijuana plants, firearms and US currency.
In July narcotics detectives identified and seized more than 3,300 outdoor marijuana plants that were concealed within native vegetation on a large land parcel located in the 8000 block of South State Highway 29 in Kelseyville, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
Brooks said the marijuana plants were located during routine overflight missions, used to help identify illegal marijuana grow sites.
On Tuesday at approximately 4:30 p.m., narcotics detectives served a search warrant at a residence, which was formerly known as Red Lava Wine Tasting and also located in the 8000 block of South State Highway 29 in Kelseyville, Brooks said.
Six subjects fled the scene, where Brooks said detectives located approximately 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 9 pounds of processed marijuana, a loaded SKS pistol grip rifle, an unassembled M-4 rifle and more than $80,000 in US currency.
Five of the subjects who fled were apprehended; Brooks said one of them was armed with a loaded .38 caliber revolver that he attempted to discard during a foot pursuit.
Brooks said another subject arrived during the investigation and narcotics detectives determined he was associated with the crime scene and was subsequently arrested.
During a search of the residence, detectives located a room which was being used to cultivate more than 100 indoor marijuana plants. Brooks said they also located a second grow site outside, which contained 38 marijuana plants.
Detectives located approximately $22,000 in US currency on two of the suspects who had the cash in their pockets, Brooks said. Approximately $60,000 in US currency was located in a vehicle parked at the residence. The US currency was seized pending asset forfeiture proceedings.
Detectives estimated that the 6 pounds of methamphetamine had a street value of more than $272,000 in Lake County when sold in personal use quantities, according to Brooks.
Brooks said the subjects arrested included 41-year-old Richard Joseph Gamble of Staten Island, New York; 46-year-old Prudencio Gerardo Najar-Elias of Santa Rosa; Diego Garcia, 26, of Ukiah; Arnoldo Mendoza-Tellez, 25, of Clearlake; 18-year-old Jamie Sanchez Ruiz of Los Angeles; and Javier Guiterrez Torres, 39, of Kelseyville.
They were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked, Brooks said.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be contacted through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.