California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the seizure of $1.2 million worth of methamphetamine during a search warrant operation at a conversion lab in Turlock. The action took place on February 27, 2026, and involved collaboration between the California Department of Justice (DOJ), Sacramento Area Intelligence and Narcotics Team (SAINT), Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Authorities recovered 280 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and eight firearms, arrested three individuals, and dismantled the lab as part of a larger operation led by SAINT and the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office CNEU.
“This is truly an example of the good work that happens when multiple agencies come together for one, unified mission,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Stopping the production of illegal drugs isn’t just about law enforcement, it is about protecting families, saving lives, and defending the future of our communities. Public safety is job number one, and the California Department of Justice will continue to work for it, both in the courtroom and on the ground in our communities. Thank you to our state, local and federal partner agencies for their collaboration. I am very proud of my staff in MAGNET and the Bureau of Forensics Services who are making a difference in our state every day.”
After securing arrests at the scene, DOJ special agents with laboratory certification processed evidence from inside a wooden structure used as a conversion lab. Items found included propane tanks, burners, acetone containers, fans, various liquids for forensic sampling, and fingerprints for further analysis. The California Department of Toxic Substances was contacted to handle hazardous materials found at the site. The Calaveras County District Attorney’s Office will prosecute those arrested.
The investigation involved agents from MAGNET—the Merced Area Gang & Narcotic Enforcement Team—which includes members from several local law enforcement agencies along with federal partners such as Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The California Attorney General’s office serves as the state’s chief law enforcement authority, focusing on enforcing laws across California’s entire jurisdiction while promoting transparency through tools like OpenJustice for publishing criminal justice data (source). As outlined by the state constitution, this office leads initiatives in civil rights protection, consumer economic security, public safety efforts such as this drug bust operation (source), environmental justice policy advancement (source), and is headed by Rob Bonta (source).
Photos related to this case have been made available online.
Authorities remind that all criminal charges are only allegations until proven guilty in court.
