Eight pounds of methamphetamine valued at $277,000 was discovered by the Manteca Police Street Crimes Unit Friday in a Nantucket Circle home located in the 2000 block.
Manteca Police spokesman Officer Jason Hensley said Daniel Lugo Gascot, 22, and Miriam Solis, 24, both of Manteca are facing felony charges in the case.
Solis was taken into custody for the drug charges inside the residence. She is also being held for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers due to her illegal immigration status from Mexico.
Manteca officers had been contacted by the California Highway Patrol earlier in the day after they arrested Gascot in Madera County who was allegedly found to be in possession of about a pound of methamphetamine.
The CHP notified Manteca Police of their arrest of the Manteca resident.
Responding to that information the Street Crimes Unit and State Parole began an immediate investigation of the suspect’s residence after obtaining a search warrant.
Manteca detective, Sergeant Chris Mraz, said that seven pounds of packaged methamphetamine was discovered in a 1994 Ford Thunderbird that had been parked in the garage at the home. Another pound of meth was found inside the house along with scales, packaging and sales equipment, he said.
Vehicles parked at the home were equipped with special hiding compartments believed to have been used to transport drugs. Officers also located items within the residence that were recognized to be used for the refinement of methamphetamine.
Officer Hensley said that due to the nature of the different types of chemicals, the house was vacated and the San Joaquin County METRO Narcotics Task Force was called to the scene. They conducted a parallel clandestine lab investigation, he said. When the scene was determined to be safe, the Manteca detectives continued their investigation.
A $1 million San Joaquin County arrest warrant was issued for Gascot to be served when he is released from Madera County Jail where his bail has also been set at $1 million.
Gascot is charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale, and for the manufacture of a controlled substance. Solis has identical charges filed against her in addition to the immigration offense, police said.
Manteca Police seize $227,000 worth of meth