Several Juveniles in Protective Custody after KCSO Drug Bust

Several Juveniles in Protective Custody after KCSO Drug Bust

On May 24, 2021, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the Metro Patrol Division conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Brundage Lane and Cottonwood Road.
The vehicle was stopped for violating California Vehicle Codes. The vehicle was driven by a male juvenile and occupied by an additional adult male passenger.

During the investigations, deputies located marijuana and a large amount of fentanyl pills inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Based on the amount of narcotics located, detectives from the Narcotics Investigations Unit (Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force) responded and assisted with the investigation.

The search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 6,000 fentanyl pills, over a pound of marijuana, small amounts of cocaine and Xanax pills and US currency believed to be proceeds of illegal drug sales.

The male juvenile (age 17) was found to be in possession of the illegal drugs located inside the vehicle. The juvenile was arrested and booked into the Kern County Probation Department, Juvenile Hall facility for the following charges: possession and transportation of a controlled substance for the purpose of sales.

The total estimated street value for the narcotics seized is $43,524.

Subsequent investigations were conducted at the juvenile’s residence in the 20 block of Augusta Street. During the investigation, detectives found several juveniles (ages 8,7,5 and 3) to be living in unsafe living conditions. Kern County Child Protective Services responded, and based on their assessment, took the juveniles into protective custody.

The investigation will be submitted to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for review and request for child endangerment charges to be sought for the adults residing at the residence.