Crime & Safety
Hinkley, CA Drug Bust: 5 Arrested in Meth Lab Investigation
Hinkley, CA – Five people were arrested after a multi agency narcotics investigation uncovered what authorities described as a large scale methamphetamine conversion lab in Hinkley, a San Bernardino C
By Marcus Hale · 2026-09-30T20:02:51.461Z
Hinkley, CA – Five people were arrested after a multi agency narcotics investigation uncovered what authorities described as a large scale methamphetamine conversion lab in Hinkley, a San Bernardino County desert community west of Barstow.
According to the Kern County Sheriff ’s Office, investigators seized approximately 574 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,567 pounds of methamphetamine in solution, three firearms and several thousand dollars in cash during the investigation.
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, or KC HIDTA, joined San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Orange County office to execute a search warrant in the 19900 block of Yellowstone Road in Hinkley.
Authorities said investigators dismantled an alleged clandestine meth conversion laboratory at the residence. San Bernardino County Fire Department hazardous materials personnel assisted because of large quantities of hazardous or unidentified chemicals.
As crews worked through the night, Kern County sheriff’s Special Operations Group officers served an arrest warrant and another search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of P Street in Bakersfield, leading to a fifth arrest.
Investigators identified the suspects as Alexander Lopez Garcia, 27; Miguel Angel Vaal, 37; Juan Daniel Castro, 24; Andrea Gamino, 33; and Clarise Guillen, 21.
Authorities allege the group was involved in conspiring to possess and manufacture methamphetamine for sale and trafficking the drug across California’s Central Valley and Southern California. Investigators also reported finding loaded firearms, including two allegedly stolen from Inglewood and Manteca.
The investigation also involved activity in Covina, authorities said.
All five suspects were booked into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Lerdo Justice Facility pending court proceedings. The allegations have not been proven in court.