- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
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Sheriff's Narcotics Unit seizes more than 5 pounds of meth
Meliton Pacheco Rangel, 39, of Clearlake was arrested as a result of the case, according to Sgt. Corey Paulich.
On Friday, narcotics detectives served a search warrant in the 3900 block of Alvita Avenue in Clearlake, Paulich said.
Paulich said that as the detectives approached the residence they contacted Pacheco Rangel, who was seated in a vehicle.
He was searched pursuant to the search warrant and detectives located a little over an ounce of suspected methamphetamine is Rangel’s pocket. Rangel also had more than $1,400 on his person, Paulich said.
Detectives then conducted a search of two residences that were included in the search warrant. Paulich said the residences were in close proximity to each other.
In the first residence detectives located four separate packages each containing approximately 1 pound of methamphetamine that were hidden in the oven, Paulich said.
Paulich said detectives also located two large baggies in the kitchen area that each contained approximately a quarter pound of methamphetamine. Detectives located an ice chest in the kitchen area that contained five more clear bags each containing approximately an ounce of methamphetamine.
Detectives then search the second residence. Paulich said that during the search detectives located approximately 20 pounds of marijuana. They also located approximately $3,600 hidden in various locations throughout the residence.
Paulich said detectives searched the vehicle Rangel had been sitting in when they arrived. A large box was located that contained approximately 26 pounds of processed marijuana.
A shipping receipt was located inside the vehicle. Detectives were able to seize the package related to the receipt. Paulich said a search warrant was obtained for the package and 2 additional pounds of marijuana was located in the package. The package was set to be shipped to an address in the state of Washington.
In total detectives seized approximately 5.3 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 5 0 pounds of marijuana as well as over $5,000 in cash. The methamphetamine and marijuana had a combined street value of over $285,000, Paulich said.
Paulich said Rangel was transported to the Lake County Jail where he was booked for possession of a controlled substance for sale, renting place to store or sale a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia.
Rangel remains in custody with bail set at $500,000, according to booking records. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 11.
The sheriff’s office is continuing its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for asset forfeiture whenever possible. Anyone with information that can assist the Narcotics Unit with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.