Local police teams bust large-scale drug distribution operation in North County
Authorities seized illegal narcotics and firearms from two locations.
Fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin seized during two raids
– This week, the Atascadero Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team concluded a month-long investigation by dismantling a large-scale drug distribution operation in north San Luis Obispo County.
Detectives with the enforcement team developed information indicating narcotics trafficking activity in the region. This led to a search warrant for a residence in the 3400 block of Spring Street in Paso Robles.
On May 20, with assistance from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and the Paso Robles Police Department, detectives executed the warrant at the Spring Street residence. Evidence discovered during the search led investigators to a second location, a storage unit in the 3400 block of Park Street in Paso Robles. A second search warrant was obtained and executed on May 22.
Authorities seized illegal narcotics and firearms from both locations. The seized items included 16 grams of cocaine, 8.14 pounds of fentanyl, 12.2 ounces of methamphetamine, and 1.2 pounds of heroin. Detectives also recovered three handguns, one of which was confirmed stolen, and one replica handgun. The total estimated street value of the narcotics is approximately $178,000.
Two individuals were arrested in connection with the operation. Edgar Diego Mendoza, 35, of Paso Robles, was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of conspiracy, possession of narcotics for sale, possession of methamphetamine for sale, drug enhancements, possession of stolen property, and committing a felony while on bail or release.
Maria Alvarez Lemus, 36, also of Paso Robles, was arrested and booked on charges of possession of narcotics for sale and conspiracy.
The Atascadero Police Department acknowledged the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and the Paso Robles Police Department for their assistance in the operation.
