8 Arrested in 3-City Raid on Suspected Methamphetamine Labs

Eight people were arrested Friday after raids on suspected methamphetamine labs in Santa Ana, Anaheim and Fullerton, police said.

Several pounds of the illegal drug were seized in the raids, which began midafternoon and ended about 6 p.m., Fullerton Police Lt. Mike Stedman said.

Two search warrants were served in Anaheim, one in Santa Ana and one in Fullerton, all in residential areas, police said. Police found evidence of illegal drug labs in Anaheim and Santa Ana, Stedman said. One person was arrested in Fullerton, he added.

Officials said the three suspected methamphetamine labs were being disassembled by hazardous-materials crews.

Stedman said the raids came after officers noticed an increase in local methamphetamine sales and conducted a monthlong investigation. That investigation is continuing, he said.

All of those arrested were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to manufacture, manufacturing of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to sell, police said.

Being held at the Fullerton City Jail were Lauro S. Chavez, 39, of Salinas; Juan C. Betancourt, 27, of Salinas; Juan M. Torres, 33, of Anaheim; Angelica Medina, 24, of Anaheim; Ysela D. Hernandez, 20, of Anaheim; Juan P. Ibarra, 23, of Santa Ana; Sergio T. Ibarra, 18, of Santa Ana; and Nunez Guillermina, 32, of Fullerton.