North Bay sheriff’s deputies seized 500 pounds of methamphetamine during an operation in San Jose connected to drug distribution in Sonoma County — believed to be one of the largest drug busts in recent years in Northern California, authorities said.
Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of several charges including possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and transporting a controlled substance, according to a social media post from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
On Saturday, a search warrant was executed on the 3000 block of Seven Trees Boulevard by the Narcotics Unit of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, authorities said. The search warrant followed an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was operating in Sonoma County.
While serving the search warrant, authorities conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was connected to the investigation, which first complied then fled the scene, authorities said. Officers pursued the vehicle, which led to a collision at an intersection. The driver then left the car on foot and barricaded himself inside a local residence that was not his.
The San Jose Police Department secured the residence and received a search warrant, but the driver was not ultimately located, authorities said.
Authorities located 500 pounds of methamphetamine with the help of Duke, the Narcotics Unit’s K9. They also found a loaded firearm and $4,000 cash.
“This significant seizure, believed to be one of the largest in Northern California in recent years, has undoubtedly made a substantial impact on the safety of our community,” authorities said.
The two suspects also face charges of possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person, counterfeit identification documents and conspiracy, authorities added. Both suspects were booked into Sonoma County Jail.
The Sonoma County Superior Court gave a bail enhancement for the pair, who each have bail set at $500,000.
The operation marked the largest drug seizure by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, which was reestablished in November 2024. The Sheriff’s Office also thanked the San Jose Police Department for its assistance.