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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27, 2005

Seizure of 27 Lbs of Methamphetamine

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Richmond Police Department (RPD), the West Contra Costa County Narcotics Enforcement Team (WESTNET) and the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement announce today the arrest of three suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of 27 lbs. of methamphetamine, one loaded hand gun, and three vehicles.

On April 13, 2005, an undercover WESNET Agent purchased a pound of Methamphetamine for $6,000.00 from Ruben LOPEZ (age 23, resident of San Pablo). On April 26, 2005, the same undercover Agent and LOPEZ negotiated for the purchase of ten pounds of methamphetamine for $60,000.00. After LOPEZ delivered the drugs to the undercover Agent, he was placed under arrest. Mr. LOPEZ had a loaded compact .380 caliber pistol in his waistband at the time of his arrest. The law enforcement officers also arrested Raul LOPEZ (age 22, resident of San Pablo) at this location.

Subsequently, state search warrants were served at 9856 St. Elmo Street in Oakland, CA and 2364 21st Street, Apt. #3, in San Pablo. At this last location, the law enforcement officers found and seized an additional seven pounds of methamphetamine. At the first location in Oakland, another suspect by the name Emilio LOPEZ (age 22, resident of Union City) was arrested. Two other individuals were detained and turned over to immigration authorities. A total of 3 vehicles and a digital scale were seized in last night’s operations.

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Lawrence Mendosa stated that this was a large seizure of methamphetamine that was destined for the East Bay. In his opinion such a large amount of drugs posed a real threat to the East Bay community at large, specifically Oakland, San Pablo and Richmond. Acting SAC Mendosa praised the cooperation between Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies.

This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of California. All three defendants are being charged with violation of 21 U.S.C. Section 846, Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ruben LOPEZ and Emilio LOPEZ are also being charged with violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1), possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven otherwise.

For further information please contact DEA Special Agent Richard Meyer at 415-436-7900, or Richmond PD Sgt. Mark Gagan at 510-620-6668, or BNE S/A Steve Ladeck at 510-412-6055.