Operation Trash Panda just delivered a blockbuster bust across Northern California, as a Sacramento-led task force dismantled a sprawling network of clandestine meth labs and hauled in one of the largest domestic meth seizures in U.S. history.
Last Friday, a multi-county law enforcement sweep tore through several locations across Northern California, shutting down active methamphetamine production sites and uncovering a large indoor and outdoor marijuana operation, weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Authorities say the investigation is still rolling as they sort through the massive haul of evidence.
According to a post from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, the probe, dubbed "Operation Trash Panda," was led by the Sheriff's SAINT unit in partnership with the Calaveras County CNEU and multiple allied agencies. Investigators reported seizing more than 2,700 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, including about 1,443 pounds of processed product and roughly 1,270 pounds that was partially processed.
OPERATION TRASH PANDA SHUTTERS CLANDESTINE DRUG LABS
— Sacramento Sheriff (@sacsheriff) March 3, 2026
On February 27, 2026, the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office SAINT (Sacramento Area Intelligence Narcotics Team) and Calaveras County Sheriffs Office CNEU (Calaveras Narcotics Enforcement Unit) served multiple high risk search… pic.twitter.com/3Wui4WaZRM
They pegged the meth haul at an approximate street value of $4 million. The sweep also turned up roughly 1,900 growing marijuana plants, over 100 pounds of processed marijuana, 12 firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Eight people were arrested on a mix of state and federal charges in coordination with the DEA Sacramento District Office, Central Valley HIDTA, Homeland Security task forces, the Modesto Police Department, MAGNET, the FBI, HSI and the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The seizure "represents one of the largest domestic methamphetamine seizures in United States history," the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said, underscoring the scale of the operation. Investigators told deputies the inquiry began in October 2025 in Calaveras County and then expanded into multiple jurisdictions around Northern California. Officials say they are withholding suspect identities while the case remains active.
Where the Raids Hit
Investigators said one active meth lab was dismantled in the 8000 block of Center Drive in Valley Springs. A property on the 2000 block of Golf Road in Turlock contained equipment needed to operate a meth lab, although production there had stopped, according to officials.
In Modesto, an address on the 900 block of Reno Avenue was described as a storage and distribution hub for the trafficking organization. Other search locations turned up large indoor marijuana grows and processed marijuana. Deputies say the mix of production, storage and cultivation sites points to a trafficking network stretching across multiple counties.
Legal Fallout and What Comes Next
Eight people were arrested on state and federal charges, with prosecutors from Calaveras County and the U.S. Attorney's Office already involved and more filings possible once forensic lab work is complete. The sheriff's office also noted that one of the arrestees is listed on the national terrorist watchlist, and investigators are coordinating closely with federal partners.
Officials say additional arrests or charges could follow as they continue processing evidence and tracking down any remaining links in the operation.
