Attorney General Bonta Shuts Down Major Fresno Meth Lab Operation: Over 2,500 Pounds of Meth Seized and 15 Arrested
FRESNO — California Attorney General Bonta today announced the arrest of 15 suspects and the seizure of over 2,500 pounds of methamphetamine, over 500 gallons of methamphetamine in solution, and 21 guns during a major methamphetamine lab bust in Fresno County. On September 17, 2026, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) together with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) executed an early morning raid of multiple locations associated with a methamphetamine conversion lab operation and suspected drug trafficking organization. This enforcement operation was a coordinated effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, all of whom are committed to working together to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking in all its forms.
“This is an example of the great work that can be done when law enforcement agencies from all levels of government come together for one unified mission,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Stopping the production of illegal drugs is about more than enforcing the law. It’s about protecting our families and communities from the life-threatening danger these drugs pose. Public safety is priority number one at the California Department of Justice, and we will continue to pursue it in our communities and in the courtroom. Thank you to all the agencies and individuals who worked together to make California a safer place.”
“This investigation struck at the heart of high‑volume methamphetamine conversion operations that were pumping poison into communities across the Central Valley,” said Eric Grant, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California. “Through the relentless effort of our federal, state, and local partners, we have taken nine alleged conspirators off the streets and secured indictments against three more. Operations like this underscore our unwavering commitment to dismantling the criminal networks that manufacture and traffic these dangerous drugs, and we are far from finished.”
In addition to a high volume of drugs, 21 guns, and over $20,000 in cash were seized. The over 500 gallons of liquid methamphetamine in solution seized could have been processed to produce more than 2,000 more pounds of “finished” crystal methamphetamine. This enforcement operation was the result of years of work from the DOJ’s High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), who worked alongside the Central Valley California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, FBI, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, California Cannabis Control, and Madera County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California will be prosecuting the case. HIIT has a collateral duty of processing and dismantling clandestine drug laboratories. Methamphetamine conversion laboratories are known for mass production and are capable of producing hundreds of pounds of crystal methamphetamine in a relatively short time span..
HIIT is a California Department of Justice, Bureau of Investigation-led multi-agency task force, with additional federal funding through the national High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. It is comprised of members from the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Special Services Unit, Fresno County Sheriff's Office, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and FBI. As part of DOJ’s task force program, the participating agencies of HIIT work collaboratively to combat drug trafficking organizations, violent career criminals and gangs. These unique and essential teams use the latest technology and advanced investigative techniques and work alongside local, state, and federal law enforcement to enhance investigations into violent criminals and organized crime throughout the state.
Source: Office of the Attorney General of California
