A narcotics raid in an unincorporated pocket near Santa Fe Springs ended with three people in handcuffs and about 1.65 pounds of suspected methamphetamine off the street, according to Whittier police. K9 teams helped search the property, where officers say they also found pistol magazines and ammunition tied to a convicted felon who is a documented gang member.
Detectives’ account
According to the Whittier Police Department, detectives served a narcotics-related search warrant on Thursday with assistance from department K9s. During the operation, officers reported finding roughly 1.65 pounds of suspected meth and safely detaining three people at the scene.
The department did not say whether any charges have been formally filed. In cases like this, prosecutors typically wait on full reports and lab test results before deciding what counts, if any, to pursue.
Whittier’s role in Santa Fe Springs policing
Whittier police handle day to day policing for the city of Santa Fe Springs and assign detectives and special units, including K9 teams, specifically to that area, according to the department’s Santa Fe Springs information page. Because of that contract, Whittier detectives often end up taking the lead on narcotics investigations in nearby unincorporated neighborhoods along the city line.
Legal implications
Under California law, a person with a prior felony conviction who is caught with firearms or ammunition can face fresh felony charges. The state also restricts possession of certain large capacity magazines. Potential violations in a case like this could include California Penal Code § 29800 and § 32310, although it is ultimately up to prosecutors to review the investigation and decide what, if anything, to file…