Local News in Brief : 9 Drug Suspects, Guns Seized in Santa Clarita Valley Raids

Asix-month investigation in the Santa Clarita Valley has resulted in nine arrests and the seizure of narcotics, guns and cash by state and county authorities, officials said Friday.

Officers with warrants searched seven houses at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edmonds said.

Officers seized more than seven pounds of methaqualone powder, used in tranquilizers called Quaaludes. They said there was enough powder for 25,000 doses. Authorities also confiscated 7,000 methaqualone capsules, several pounds of marijuana, $27,000 in cash and a number of handguns and rifles, Edmonds said.

Deputies arrested William Bedell, 22, of Newhall; William Feller, 22, Canyon Country; Carl Hoover, 32, his wife, Karen Hoover, 37, and his sister, Kimberly Hoover, 27, all of Canyon Country; Karen Ingrassia, 38, Canyon Country; Donald McIntosh, 25, Canyon Country; Charles Moyto, 65, Saugus, and Jerry Smith 20, Canyon Country.

The suspects were held on suspicion of drug offenses, including conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methaqualone, at the sheriff’s Santa Clarita Valley substation jail and Sybil Brand Institute for Women. Bail ranged from $2,500 up to $1 million, for Carl Hoover.