Local News in Brief : Potrero

One of the largest collaborative law-enforcement operations in county history--including 180 officers from seven agencies--netted six suspects in a drug raid on a Potrero ranch early Monday morning.

Officers from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego and El Cajon police departments, California Highway Patrol, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and the state parole office raided the ranch on Harris Ranch Road with a search warrant stemming from a November investigation by El Cajon police.

They arrested Michelle D. Sickels, 24, and Roger J. Sickels, 27, on suspicion of possession of 14.5 grams of methamphetamine and 9 grams of marijuana.

Information obtained at the ranch led police to a house in El Cajon on Granite Hills Drive, where they arrested Thomas William Jackman, 25, and Richard John Drake, 43, both on suspicion of drug manufacturing and parole violation.

Authorities said they seized a methamphetamine laboratory with enough chemicals to make as much as 14 pounds of the stimulant.

Two others were arrested for outstanding warrants at the El Cajon house, which is owned by Drake. Among the items found in the home were six shotguns; three televisions sets; four toolboxes, and silver, copper and brass ornaments, authorities said.

“It could have been better,” Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Stafford said. “It wasn’t a disappointment, but somewhat of a letdown. We thought we were going to find a meth lab, but the fact that we found one at the other location was encouraging.”