Methamphetamine Lab Found at House

Narcotics investigators who raided a Garden Grove home found a methamphetamine lab and a large pit in the backyard used to dump the chemical wastes, police said Monday.

Investigators began surveying the house in the 11500 block of West Street last week after neighbors repeatedly complained of noxious odors and heavy traffic at the home, Special Det. Ronnie Echavarria said.

They raided the home Friday, seizing a cache of firearms and an assortment of glassware used to produce methamphetamine and arresting six people, Echavarria said.

“It was elaborate, and there were a lot of people involved,” Echavarria said.

The chemicals found in the backyard pit were “extremely hazardous,” he said. “It could potentially contaminate a child playing in the neighborhood yard. Most chemicals are not biodegradable and remain hazardous in the soil.”

The suspects were identified as Kim Treharne, 39, of Santa Ana; Eugene Encineas, 36, and Michael Lingo, 46, both of Garden Grove; and Richard Cordova, 28, Doug Machado, 40, and Kenneth Patterson, 30, who lived at the West Street home.

They were booked on suspicion of conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Treharne also was booked on suspicion of violating parole for a previous conviction of manufacturing methamphetamine, Echavarria said.

They are being held at the Orange County jail on $100,000 bail each.