Costa Mesa police officers seized 34 pounds of meth and arrested a suspect from L.A. County

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Police officers seized 34 pounds of meth and arrested a suspect in Costa Mesa

Yesterday, investigators from the Costa Mesa Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit conducted a narcotics investigation that resulted in a sizable seizure and arrest of a man who came into Costa Mesa from another city.

They arrested Orlando Camacho, 33, a resident of Norwalk, for possession of methamphetamine for sale.

The officers also seized approximately 34 pounds of methamphetamine and over $28,000 in cash

Camacho is currently in custody on a two million dollar bail.

The CMPD thanks HSI-Orange County for their assistance in this arrest.

Possessing 34 pounds of methamphetamine in California is a serious offense and is likely to be charged as possession for sale or trafficking, rather than simple possession. Here are the potential penalties:

  1. Possession for Sale (Health and Safety Code 11378 HS):
    • Prison Sentence: 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years.
    • Fines: Up to $10,000.
  2. Trafficking (Health and Safety Code 11379 HS):
    • Prison Sentence: 2, 3, or 4 years.
    • Enhanced Penalties: If the methamphetamine was transported across more than two county lines with intent to sell, the sentence can be 3, 6, or 9 years.

These penalties can vary based on the specifics of the case and any prior criminal history. Additionally, judges may sometimes grant probation instead of incarceration.

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Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions.

When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.