San Jose Man Charged With Operating Central Valley Meth Lab
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- A San Jose man was arrested in Madera County on Thursday when he was caught allegedly operating a methamphetamine conversion lab, according to county sheriff officials.
The Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team took 30-year-old Hector Medina, who also goes by Javier Medina, into custody around noon Thursday on suspicion of converting meth into crystal methamphetamine inside his kitchen.
Officials seized nearly $1,000 worth of meth and $200 of cocaine, along with $1,000 in cash.
Medina's BMW 745 that was parked in front of his rental home on Road 29 just outside the city of Madera was also seized.
Medina moved into the rental home in October and was using the house as a drug lab and to traffic the drugs to other parts of the state.
Cans of acetone and other precursor chemicals were found in the garage, sheriff's officials said.
At his arrest, authorities found Medina's 6-year-old son at the home. The boy apparently lives with his mother in San Jose.
The boy was turned over to the care of relatives, according to sheriff's officials.
The owner on the property was advised that the home will be noted on mortgage records as being used as a meth lab, officials said.
Sheriff's officials said these types of labs release solvents that are highly flammable and toxic that don't dissipate and get absorbed into the walls and carpet.
Medina was arrested after a tip was called into the drug team's hotline.
He was booked into Madera County Jail. He is being held on an immigration hold and faces felony drug and child endangerment charges, sheriff's officials said.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
