Bakersfield, CA – A large-scale methamphetamine conversion lab operating inside a North Bakersfield home was dismantled Wednesday after a coordinated investigation led by the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and multiple task force partners.
According to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant executed on October 30, 2025, at a residence on the 400 block of Rian Noelle Court resulted in the seizure of approximately 953.9 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 2,725 pounds of meth in solution, and several dangerous chemicals. Authorities also arrested five suspects connected to the operation.
During the investigation, Christian Castro (29), Kymberly Lopez-Garcia (22), and Jesus Felix-Castro (26) were stopped on Highway 99 near Delano with roughly 10 pounds of meth in their vehicle. At the residence, Fausto Zazueta-Beltran (49) was taken into custody, while Casimiro Violante-Lopez (46) was arrested at another Bakersfield location. Violante-Lopez was also wanted in connection to a 2021 narcotics case involving 53 pounds of meth.
All five suspects were booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility on multiple felony charges, including manufacturing and transporting a controlled substance, possession for sale, maintaining a residence for drug sales, and conspiracy.
Environmental Health officials responded due to hazardous materials found on-site, while the District Attorney’s Office and Regional Crime Lab processed evidence. Authorities said the operation underscores the ongoing collaboration between local and federal partners to combat large-scale narcotics distribution in Kern County.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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