Arboga meth lab busted

A high volume of traffic at an Arboga residence led Yuba County sheriff's deputies to a methamphetamine lab Tuesday night.

Two men were arrested and a meth lab capable of producing a half-pound of drugs was discovered in the 1400 block of Broadway Road, according to law enforcement officials.

“The lab was in various parts of the vehicles,” said Jason Parker, an agent with the Narcotics Enforcement Team-5. “The main portion of it was in the garage area.”

Robert McKenna, 36, and Ronald Bushers, no age available, were arrested on suspicion of manufacturing a controlled substance and parole violations, according to law enforcement officers.

Deputies were drawn to the residence by the high amount of traffic, said Undersheriff Steve Durfor.

After finding the lab, deputies called in NET-5 agents, who deal with drug crimes and methamphetamine labs.

Parts of the lab were scattered in various places around the residence, Parker said.

“Some of these guys think that when they keep it spread out, they think it keeps them safe (from getting caught),” he said.

McKenna and Bushers were not at the residence at the time, but arrived a short time later, Parker said.

McKenna drove up in a vehicle that allegedly carried pseudoephedrine and lab parts. He was arrested, according to Parker.

Bushers arrived later, but spotted a deputy's vehicle and fled on foot, Parker said. Bushers was pulled over Wednesday afternoon in a traffic stop south of Queens Avenue in Yuba City, according to police Sgt. Lincoln Eden.

McKenna was being held without bail at Yuba County Jail, while Bushers was booked into Sutter County Jail. No bail amount was available.

An elderly woman lives at the Broadway Road residence, but she was unaware of the lab and was not detained, Parker said.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appeal-democrat.com.