BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KMJ) — The California Highway Patrol conducted several traffic stops and arrested multiple suspects leading to what it’s calling one of the largest drug busts to date.
The CHP says 500 pounds of meth were found during a traffic stop near Highway 99, north of 7th Standard Road in Bakersfield on Tuesday.
A 2017 Land Rover was pulled over for a traffic violation and the officer noticed signs of criminal activity, K-9 backup was called in to search the vehicle.
After giving a positive alert for drugs, officers moved in and found several cardboard boxes in the truck filled with crystal meth.
Two Fresno men were arrested and booked into the Kern County Jail.
Following that traffic stop, a second vehicle was pulled over on the same day in Fresno County. Officers discovered 92 pounds of cocaine in that vehicle.
The driver, Umar Ovalle, 35, of Kings County, Washington was booked into the Fresno County Jail.
In Tulare County, a third vehicle was pulled over, also on the same day. A truck in which officers say 66 pounds of meth were found in the back seat.
This driver, Miguel Oropeza, 32, of Kern County was booked into jail.
All are facing multiple charges including the sale and transportation of drugs.
