(FRESNO, CA.) — A multi-agency investigation dismantled two large-scale methamphetamine conversion laboratories in Bakersfield and Visalia, leading to nine arrests during a Sept. 17 takedown and three earlier federal indictments, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.
Operation Klean Strip began in November 2025 and concluded Sept. 17 with authorities executing 16 search warrants. During those searches, agents seized 4,000 marijuana plants, approximately $20,000 in alleged drug proceeds and 20 firearms, according to federal prosecutors.
Those seizures came after investigators had already recovered a combined 2,171 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and hundreds of gallons of methamphetamine in solution from the two conversion laboratories.
Authorities said agents seized 721 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from the Bakersfield site on April 20 and 1,450 pounds from the Visalia site on May 20.
“This investigation struck at the heart of high-volume methamphetamine conversion operations that were pumping poison into communities across the Central Valley,” U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said in announcing the operation. “Through the relentless effort of our federal, state, and local partners, we have taken nine alleged conspirators off the streets and secured indictments against three more.”
A federal criminal complaint filed shortly after the May search provides a more detailed look at what investigators say they encountered inside the Visalia laboratory.
On May 20, members of the Fresno High Impact Investigation Team, or HIIT, and other law enforcement agencies served a search warrant at a property on Road 112 in Visalia. The warrant had been authorized by Tulare County Superior Court Judge Roger D. Wilson, according to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Leslie Rosa.
After securing multiple structures at the property, investigators identified what they described as an active clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory. Gustavo Alejandro Mendoza-Felix, 27, was identified as the only resident inside the property, according to the affidavit.
Investigators said one structure was unfurnished and unoccupied. As officers approached another structure, they saw a man walk outside, turn around and re-enter the building. He later exited and was detained without incident. Agents identified him as Mendoza-Felix.
Inside, investigators reported seeing large quantities of crystalline material and containers of unidentified liquids and detecting a strong chemical odor. Agents also found strainers, burners, propane tanks, acetone cans and buckets they believed contained methamphetamine in solution.
The kitchen was being used as a packaging and weighing area, according to the affidavit.
Investigators reported finding 50 clear plastic bags on the kitchen counter, each containing approximately one pound of suspected crystal methamphetamine, along with digital scales, additional bags, gloves and sanitation wipes.
The living room contained eight large tables covered with suspected crystal methamphetamine, according to investigators. Oscillating fans were being used to accelerate the drying process.
Agents also reported finding 5-gallon acetone containers, ice chests, buckets, strainers, two 57-gallon totes containing suspected methamphetamine in solution and containers of muriatic acid.
Investigators said a 20-gallon drum equipped with a vacuum pump was being used to siphon suspected methamphetamine solution mixed with diesel fuel from a 275-gallon reservoir.
Photographs included in the affidavit show suspected crystal methamphetamine spread across tables, bags of suspected methamphetamine in the kitchen, containers filled with liquid and numerous chemical containers throughout the property.
The affidavit reports that HIIT ultimately seized approximately 1,451 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and approximately 475 gallons of methamphetamine in solution from the Visalia property. A random sample of the crystalline substance presumptively tested positive for methamphetamine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office used a rounded figure of 1,450 pounds for the Visalia seizure when announcing the overall Operation Klean Strip results.
Mendoza-Felix declined to make a statement after receiving his Miranda rights, according to the affidavit. Rosa alleged that the equipment, chemicals and finished product indicated the structure was being used as a clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory and that Mendoza-Felix participated in converting suspected methamphetamine in solution into crystallized form for distribution.
Mendoza-Felix was arrested May 20 and later indicted on a charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Federal prosecutors said Ramiro Luna, 52, and Robert Gray, 54, both of San Bernardino, were separately indicted Aug. 20 on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said deputies recovered approximately 320 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from a vehicle driven by Luna during what prosecutors described as a related traffic stop on April 20.
Nine additional defendants were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Jesus Efrain Lopez-Felix, 34, of Tulare; Elvis Ramirez-Beltran, 25, of Mexico, residing in Porterville; Gabriel Ramirez-Beltran, 27, of Mexico, residing in Selma; Marissa Lopez-Felix, 30, of Porterville; Jose Armando Lopez-Felix, 29, of Mexico, residing in Yokuts Valley; Jaciel Lopez-Felix, 23, of Mexico, residing in Sanger; Faustino Romero-Leon, 50, of Mexico, residing in Sanger; Alberto Lopez-Castillo, 21, of Visalia; and Jesus Adrian Rios-Ramirez, 27, of Mexico.
The investigation was led by the FBI and California Department of Justice’s Fresno High Impact Investigation Team, which includes personnel from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Additional assistance came from the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration, Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force and the Kern and Tulare county district attorney’s offices.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Catto, Luke Baty and Antonio Pataca are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, prosecutors said the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life in federal prison, depending on drug quantities and prior convictions. Any sentence would ultimately be determined by the court.
Photograph of crystal methamphetamine, propane tanks, and 5-gallon acetone containers. Photo: FBI / Fresno High Impact Investigation Team, via federal court records.
Photo: FBI / Fresno High Impact Investigation Team, via federal court records.
The charges are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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