On June 14th, 2018, Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to a call for service at an apartment complex in the 100 block of West Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. Upon arrival on scene, deputies discovered what appeared to be a fentanyl manufacturing laboratory inside the apartment unit.
The deputies noticed numerous glass vials filled with unknown liquids and a variety of chemistry equipment including glass beakers and distillation devices. Once these items were located, the Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit (PCU) responded to investigate. Narcotics Detectives confirmed a hazardous drug manufacturing lab was present. A search warrant for the residence was obtained. Nearby residents were contacted as a precaution and advised to either evacuate or shelter in place.
It is estimated the glass vials contained a total of 3 gallons of precursor chemicals to manufacture controlled substances. The type of chemicals and or controlled substances is pending testing by the Sheriff's Crime Lab.
A loaded shotgun was also seized from the apartment unit.
Based on the potential for injury or exposure to first responders and nearby residents, the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (L.A. Impact) Clandestine Laboratory Team was called in to assist. Once LA Impact personnel were on scene, they evaluated the situation and decided to methodically clear and remove all the potentially dangerous and unknown liquids from inside using specialized chemical suits and breathing equipment. The hazardous materials were removed from the apartment unit and were properly disposed of using a certified environmental destruction service.
Based on the findings inside the apartment unit, it was determined Albert was responsible for the drug manufacturing lab. Albert was arrested and was subsequently booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Main Jail facility for 11379.6H&S – Manufacturing a Controlled Substance. Albert posted bail and was released from custody pending his court appearance.
The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Thousand Oaks Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Simi Valley Police Department, and the Ventura Police Department. The primary mission of the task force is combatting the transfer of legal prescription medication to the illegal market. In addition, the task force works to identify and stop new trends of abuse among the younger population and investigates overdoses due to both prescription medication and illicit drug use.
|
