Attorney General Bonta Announces Arrest of Drug Dealer Trading Meth for Recyclable Cans

LOS ANGELES - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest of a drug dealer for allegedly selling methamphetamine from the recycling center where they worked. In addition, a buyer of narcotics was arrested. The arrests were the result of an effort by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD).

"When bad actors think they've found a clever loophole, they will find that my office is already there, ready to enforce the law. We're committed to keeping drugs out of California and prosecuting dealers and fraudsters that harm our communities," said Attorney General Bonta. "I am grateful to my team of investigators and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for their diligent work. Let these charges be a lesson: Those who aim to profit off weakening our communities and state programs will be held accountable."

In October, DOJ received information that the dealer was distributing narcotics and opened an investigation. Through the course of the investigation, it was uncovered that the dealer used the recycling center where they worked as a hub for the transactions. A woman who appeared to buy narcotics from the dealer was stopped. Upon searching her vehicle, they located suspected methamphetamine, and the woman was arrested. Following that stop, DOJ acquired a search warrant for the recycling center and located approximately 14 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the possession of the dealer. The dealer is facing felony charges that include unlawful possession of methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine.

The Recycle Fraud Team (RFT) works to detect, dismantle, and deter organized criminal exploitation of California's Redemption Value (CRV) fund. In partnership with CalRecycle, RFT targets large-scale fraud networks to secure arrests, pursue successful prosecutions, and intercept tons of illicit materials before they can be illegally redeemed for state payouts. This case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for criminal prosecution.

Photos from the operation can be found here and here.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.