News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2005

DEA seizes over 4 lbs of crystal
methamphetamine in the Bakersfield area.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bakersfield Police Department, and the Kern Narcotics Enforcement Team announce the arrest of two suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of a large amount of crystal methamphetamine in East Bakersfield.

Today at approximately 10:00 a.m., during a joint investigation/operation, members of the DEA, BPD, and KNET arrested two individuals for possession with intent to distribute over four pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

The names of the persons arrested are as follows:
Jesus Fernandez, 43, of Ontario, California
Flor Carrasco, 31, of Diamond Bar, California.

Both individuals were arrested on White Lane, in the area of East Bakersfield, as they exited their vehicle. The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $130,000.00.

Fernandez and Carrasco are being held at the Lerdo Correctional Center awaiting arraignment in federal court. They will be charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute crystal methamphetamine and conspiracy. The maximum penalty for this offense is life imprisonment. The mandatory minimum sentence is 10 years incarceration.

DEA Resident Agent in Charge Stephen P. Peterson stated that this was a significant seizure of crystal methamphetamine. RAC Peterson further added the DEA will continue to work in cooperation with its local and Federal counterparts to protect and serve the residents of this area from the dangers of illegal drugs.

The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven otherwise.

For further information contact DEA RAC Stephen Peterson at 661-396-3736.