Takedown Dismantles Methamphetamine Conversion Lab; Three Arrested

FRESNO, Calif. — Three individuals were charged today following a multi‑agency investigation that dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory in Terra Bella in Tulare County, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

Jose Diarte-Perez, 46, and Carlos Beltran-Ochoa, 27, both from Mexico and illegally residing in Terra Bella, are charged with conspiracy to manufacture and traffic methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Lamberto Elorza-Chavez, 39, of Mexico, illegally residing in Terra Bella, is charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on Sept. 11, 2026, agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Terra Bella. The investigative team encountered the three defendants and arrested them. During the search, the investigative team located cannisters of acetone, boxes of muriatic acid, propane tanks, blue 50-gallon drums, multiple coolers, and two large freezers. All of these items were being used to form a methamphetamine conversion laboratory. In all, they seized approximately 100 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, hundreds of gallons of methamphetamine in solution, approximately $600,000, and six firearms. 

The Stanislaus County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Kern County HIDTA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlyn Tobin is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of conspiring to manufacture methamphetamine, the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life in prison, and a fine up to $10 million. If convicted of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the defendants face minimum sentences of five years, consecutively, and a maximum penalty of life in prison and a fine up to $250,000. If convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, Elorza Chavez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

Photograph of igloos with liquid methamphetamine

 

 

 

Photograph of large tubs lined with trash bags containing methamphetamine residue

 

 

 

Photograph of stock pot containing methamphetamine residue

 

 

 

Photograph of IBC container containing methamphetamine in liquid form

 

 

 

Photograph of some U.S. currency found in home

 

 

 

Photographs of 50 gallon drums, propane tanks, stock pots, coolers, and acetone barrels, all of which are used to convert methamphetamine

 

 

 

Photograph of buckets, acetone buckets and coolers, all of which are used to convert methamphetamine