UPDATED: Meth lab found in residential neighborhood in Norwalk

NORWALK — Deputies dismantled a methamphetamine lab and arrested two alleged illicit chemists at a Norwalk home Friday afternoon, authorities said.
The bust took place just before 1 p.m. in the 11900 block of Beaty Avenue, between Pioneer and Norwalk boulevards, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Lt. Jason Skeen said.
Arrested were Alfonso Rubio Gonzalez, 24, of Pico Rivera and Steve Esparza, 32, of Norwalk, sheriff’s officials said.
“We became aware of the possible existence of narcotics activity in the area,” the lieutenant said. Deputies knocked on the front door of the home and spoke with someone inside.
“They determined the existence of a meth lab due to a strong odor,” Skeen said.
Officials obtained a search warrant within the hour and returned to the home, along with sheriff’s narcotics detectives and a hazardous materials team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, he said.
Nearby homes were initially evacuated, but neighbors were allowed to return to their homes once investigators entered and determined the methamphetamine manufacturing operation was “relatively small,” Skeen said. It was unclear if any finished methamphetamine was seized during the raid.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email