LAKE COUNTY — The service of a search warrant by the Sheriff”s Narcotics Task Force on Wednesday resulted in two arrests, the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and the seizure of cash for asset forfeiture, according to a press release from Capt. James Bauman, Lake County Sheriff”s Office, public information officer.
On Tuesday task force detectives secured a search warrant for the person and home of Arturo Guardado, 45, of Lakeport. On Wednesday at approximately 1 p.m., detectives served the warrant at Guardado”s home on Lakeshore Boulevard. Agents with the Department of Homeland Security assisted with the warrant service as Guardado had several prior deportations due to past felony convictions.
Guardado was detained without incident. A Sheriff”s narcotics detection K-9, “Gracie,” was deployed in the home and the dog alerted to several areas. A subsequent search of those areas by detectives produced approximately 9.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine packaged for sales and items of narcotics paraphernalia, including hypodermic needles. Detectives also located some live ammunition in the home and seized cash from Guardado for asset forfeiture.
Guardado was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of the hypodermic needles, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and being a felon in possession of live ammunition. He was booked at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility with an I.N.S. hold because of his undocumented status.
While detectives were serving the search warrant on Guardado, they contacted Brandon Mitchell, 26, of Lakeport who resides nearby. Detectives knew Mitchell had an active $5,000 bench warrant for his arrest. He was also taken into custody and booked at the correctional facility.
The Sheriff”s Narcotics Task Force will continue its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize suspected profits from narcotics sales for asset forfeiture proceedings whenever possible.
Anyone with information that can assist the task force with this endeavor is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 263-3663.
