5 Arrested in Raid on Alleged Drug Lab

Members of Ventura County’s interdepartmental narcotics unit raided an alleged methamphetamine lab in Ventura on Wednesday after a monthlong investigation.

George Fletcher, 46, of Ventura, was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell, vehicle theft and possession of stolen property, police said.

Fletcher, who was on parole, was booked into Ventura County Jail where is he being held without bail.

Once inside Fletcher’s house, located in the 2500 block of Channel Drive, police said they found the drug and chemicals used to make it, as well as an undisclosed amount of marijuana and LSD.

Four other suspects were arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of being under the influence of narcotics or for alleged outstanding misdemeanor warrants. Police did not reveal their names.

Police also said they found a stolen Porsche on Fletcher’s property and a Dodge pickup that had been chopped up for parts. Investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol were called in to further investigate whether Fletcher was allegedly running a chop shop. A stolen bicycle was also found, police said.

A toxic waste hauler was sent to the scene to dispose of the seized chemicals, police said.