Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, April 20, 2016 / 6:15 p.m.

INCIDENT: Search Warrant – Illegal Marijuana Dispensary / Sale of Marijuana

LOCATION: #1 – 25899 Baseline Street, Highland

SUSPECT: #1) Rudy Romero, age 27, of Highland
#2) Domenique Basterrechea, age 27, of San Bernardino

SUMMARY:
Investigators from the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team assisted deputies from the Highland Police Station and served a search warrant at Location #1. Investigators found evidence the location was being used to distribute and sell marijuana and marijuana related goods. Over 25 pounds of processed marijuana, Concentrated Cannabis (THC Wax and THC Oil), marijuana edibles and a large amount of cash were seized from the location. Suspect #1 and #2 were present at the location when investigators served the warrant. They were arrested without incident by investigators.

An enforcement officer from the City of Highland’s Code Enforcement Division also inspected the property and found several building code violations. A case will be investigated by the Code Enforcement Division and the tenants and/or property owner(s) may be issued a citation for the violations and ultimately fined for the violations if they go uncorrected.

The investigation is ongoing. Investigators have identified several other suspects in this case and are in the process of contacting them. The illegal marijuana dispensary was discovered when a business check was conducted by Sgt. M. Finneran who saw a large gathering of people outside of the location. Information obtained during the investigation suggests the suspects rented the location from the property owner in order to sell marijuana. Additionally, the evidence gathered during the initial investigation suggests that the suspects were not in compliance with California medical marijuana laws and local ordinances. The City of Highland has an ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries, mobile marijuana dispensaries, delivery services, and cultivation of marijuana within the city limits.

At the conclusion of the criminal investigation all suspects will be charged with the Sales of Marijuana. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office will review the case and decide on what, if any, criminal charges will be filed against the suspects. The property owner may face civil and/or criminal charges at a later date. Suspect #1 and #2 were booked into the Central Detention Center for Sales of Marijuana with bail is set at $50,000. Additional charges may follow at a later time.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs / Narcotics Division at (909)890-4840. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
DR / case: #621600212

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department