News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2005

Seizure of 23 lbs of Ice Methamphetamine

JUN 9 -- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force (METRO) and the Stockton Police Department announce today the arrest of two suspected drug traffickers, the seizure of approximately 23 lbs. of suspected “ice” methamphetamine, two loaded handguns and $15,000 U.S. Currency.

In March 2005, the DEA Sacramento District Office and METRO initiated an investigation against a large scale “ice” methamphetamine distributor in Stockton, CA. As a result of the investigation law enforcement identified Miguel Angel SANDOVAL as the distributor of multiple pounds of methamphetamine and further identified locations and associates of SANDOVAL.

On June 8, 2005, SANDOVAL (age 27, resident of Galt) was arrested in Stockton and agents seized approximately 11 pounds of “ice” methamphetamine from SANDOVAL.

Search warrants were subsequently served in Galt and Stockton. As a result, Michele STUBBLEFIELD (age 47, resident of Stockton) was arrested and an additional 12 lbs. “ice” methamphetamine was seized. Furthermore, two loaded handguns and approximately $15,000.00 U.S. Currency were also seized.

DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña stated that this is a large seizure of “ice”, adding that methamphetamine remains DEA’s number one priority. “I cannot emphasize enough the extreme danger of using methamphetamine. Those who are involved in the manufacture, trafficking and distribution of methamphetamine will be sought out by DEA and our partners in law enforcement and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California. Both defendants are charged with violation of 21 U.S.C Section 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and 21 U.S.C. 841 – Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. STUBBLEFIELD was also charge with violation of 18 U.S.C. Section – Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven otherwise.