FRESNO, Calif. — The United States Attorney’s Office announced the results of Operation Klean Strip, a multi‑agency investigation that dismantled two large‑scale clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratories in Bakersfield and Visalia. The operation began in November 2025 and ended today with nine arrests and the execution of 16 search warrants where agents seized 4,000 marijuana plants, $20,000 drug proceeds, and 20 firearms adding to the 2,171 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and hundreds of gallons of methamphetamine seized earlier.
“This investigation struck at the heart of high‑volume methamphetamine conversion operations that were pumping poison into communities across the Central Valley,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant. “Through the relentless effort of our federal, state, and local partners, we have taken nine alleged conspirators off the streets and secured indictments against three more. Operations like this underscore our unwavering commitment to dismantling the criminal networks that manufacture and traffic these dangerous drugs, and we are far from finished.”
“Today is an example of the great work that can be done when law enforcement agencies from all levels of government come together for one, unified mission,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Stopping the production of illegal drugs is about more than enforcing the law. It’s about protecting our families and communities from the life-threatening danger these drugs pose. Public safety is priority number one at the California Department of Justice, and we will continue to pursue it in our communities and in the courtroom. Thank you to all the agencies and individuals who worked together to make California a safer place.”…