As the 'hood turns...

Probe leads to four arrests, shutting down of meth lab
RICHMOND: Agents say suspects sold the drug from house on Esmond Avenue

By Karl Fischer
CONTRA COSTA TIMES

Narcotics agents concluded a three-month investigation by dismantling a methamphetamine lab and arresting four people Tuesday afternoon in central Richmond.

"We initiated this investigation after receiving neighborhood complaints a few months ago," said Steve Ladeck, commander of the West Contra Costa Narcotics Enforcement Team. "We encourage anyone with information about drug activity in their neighborhood to call the police."

The investigation ended about 2 p.m. Tuesday when agents served a search warrant on the 2400 block of Esmond Avenue in the North and East neighborhood.

Inside the house, agents found a working meth lab and the hazardous chemicals used to make the drug, along with a small amount packaged for sale, electronic scales and other equipment commonly used for dealing drugs on the street.

The residents and hangers-on at the house manufactured and sold drugs from the house, Ladeck said, much to the consternation of other residents on the block.

Authorities also recovered 11 rifles, which Ladeck described as "hunting-type" rifles of various makes and calibers, and ammunition for the firearms.

Agents arrested 34-year-old Andrew Orozco, 30-year-old Caesar Villalta and 20-year-old Andrea Maestas on suspicion of manufacturing and possessing drugs for sale. They arrested 58-year-old Larry Winn on suspicion of being a felon in possession of firearms.

Orozco and Villalta were both considered parolees at large at the time of their arrest, Ladeck said. All the suspects were booked into County Jail in Martinez.

Reach Karl Fischer at 510-262-2728 or kfischer@cctimes.com.

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Congratulations to law enforcement on this bust! Onto the rest of Richmond!