CLEARLAKE >> A Clearlake man was arrested and approximately $285,000 worth of illegal drugs were seized during a search on Friday.
Meliton Pacheco Rangel, 39, was taken into custody after narcotics detectives from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office found over 5 pounts of methamphetamine, more than 50 pounds of marijuana and $5,000 after looking through two properties and a vehicle.
Law enforcement officers serving a search warrant in the 3900 block of Alvita Avenue in Clearlake found Rangel seated in a vehicle out front. According to LCSO Sgt. Corey Paulich, they lo located a little over an ounce of suspected methamphetamine is Rangel’s pocket.
Rangel also reportedly had more than $1,400 on his person.
Detectives then conducted a search of two residences that were included in the search warrant.
“In the first residence detectives located four separate packages each containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine that were hidden in the oven,” Paulich said in a prepared statement. “Detectives also located two large baggies in the kitchen area that each contained approximately a quarter pound of methamphetamine.”
During the search, detectives located an ice chest in the kitchen area that reportedly contained five more clear bags each containing approximately an ounce of methamphetamine.
At the second residence, located nearby, they found approximately 20 pounds of marijuana. Cash was hidden in various locations throughout the house.
Detectives then returned to the vehicle originally occupied by Rangel. A large box was located that contained approximately 26 pounds of processed marijuana.
“A shipping receipt was located inside the vehicle. Detectives were able to seize the package related to the receipt,” Paulich added. “A search warrant was obtained for the package and two additional pounds of marijuana was located in the package.”
The package was set to be shipped to an address in the state of Washington.
Rangel was transported to the Lake County Jail where he was booked facing several charges related to the possession and sales of controlled substances. He remains in custody with bail set at $500,000.
