The Modesto Police Department announced the discovery of a meth lab along with a sizeable seizure of drugs and firearms following a recent investigation into drug sales in the area. According to a Facebook post from the Modesto Police Department, the operation was executed onTuesday, as part of a collaboration with several law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
The coordinated effort led by the Modesto Narcotics Enforcement Team (MNET), in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Administration - Stockton (DEA) and the Stanislaus County Probation, resulted in a search warrant in the 3600 block of McReynolds Avenue. What unfolded was a clandestine meth lab within a residential area. In response to the hazardous conditions found, the home was evacuated, and the Stanislaus County Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was brought in, given their expertise in handling such toxic environments, as reported by the Modesto Police Department.
In the course of the search, authorities seized an arsenal of illegal substances and weaponry including 13 pounds of methamphetamine, 14 pounds of DMT, three assault rifles, and 11 handguns and rifles. Along with the weapons, thousands of rounds of ammunition and $3,815 in cash were found. The operation also discovered functional meth and DMT labs contributing to the drug production, as detailed by the Modesto Police Department.
In connection with the raid, 61-year-old Kevin Wayne Holcombe was taken into custody and faces numerous charges. These include multiple counts of possession of an assault weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and manufacture of a controlled substance among others. Notably, Holcombe also faces a charge of child endangerment, highlighting the perilous and reckless nature of such illegal activities within a community setting, as noted by the Modesto Police Department.
This significant crackdown on drug distribution channels stands as a testament to the rigorous and concerted enforcement efforts in Modesto. The success of the operation hinged on the collaborative work between various agencies including the DEA - Stockton, the Stanislaus County Probation Department, the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office, Modesto Police Animal Control, City of Modesto Code Enforcement, City Building Inspector, SIU, and the Modesto Fire Department Hazmat Team, as per the Modesto Police Department.
