Meth lab busted in Loma Rica

Drug agents uncovered an alleged family-operated methamphetamine lab when they served a search warrant early Wednesday in Loma Rica.

The lab, described as user-sized, was found in a travel trailer on a 37-acre parcel at 5124 Wolf Trail, said Bill Olson, commander of the Yuba-Sutter Narcotic Enforcement Team.

Agents combed the foothills land with the help of a Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement helicopter and arrested three suspects at 7:15 a.m.: Laurence Joaquin, 57; his wife, Pamela Flack, 54; and their son, Joseph Joaquin, 25, said Olson.

A fourth suspect, Scott Lake, 43, was arrested for allegedly violating parole conditions, he said.

None of the suspects was armed or resisted arrest. All were booked into Yuba County Jail and are expected to be charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, said Olson.

Bail was set at $500,000 for each Joaquin family member.

About two ounces of finished methamphetamine were recovered, he said.

The property, owned by the Joaquins, “had been under surveillance for quite some time,” said Olson.

Neighbors had complained about activities on the property, he said.

Also participating in the raid were officers from the Yuba County Sheriff's Department, the Marysville Police Department and the Butte County Interagency Narcotics Task Force.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Rob Young can be reached at 749-4710. You may e-mail him at ryoung@appeal-democrat.com.