DTF

Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release: 

 

As a result of a three month long investigation Special Agents with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force learned there was a vehicle traveling to Humboldt County from the Bakersfield area transporting a significant quantity of methamphetamine.

Agents secured a search warrant for the vehicle and all of its occupants. On 03-17-17 at about 0445 hours Agents spotted the vehicle traveling northbound on Hwy 101 near Cooks Valley. With assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Special Agents conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle near Benbow Drive and Hwy 101.

Once the vehicle was stopped Agents were able to determine the vehicle was being driven by 48 year old Joseph Garner. They identified the front passenger as 24 year old James Johnson and the rear passenger as the registered owner of the vehicle, 49 year old Kathy Ham. All three subjects are from the Bakersfield area.

After detaining all three subjects, one of the Sheriff’s Office narcotics detection K-9 was deployed and searched the vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the trunk and underneath the passenger seat. A subsequent search by Agents located approximately 2 pounds of suspected methamphetamine (estimated street value $14,000) along with a .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and other indications of sales.

As a result of this investigation Kathy was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale and transportation of a controlled substance. Joseph was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale, transportation of a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm. James was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sale. All three were transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where they were booked and housed for the above listed charges.

This investigation is ongoing and future arrests are anticipated. Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-444-8095 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 707-268- 2539.