Behind the Badge
Westminster narcotics detectives busted a large-scale hash oil lab operation and seized more than $50,000 in cash Thursday afternoon, police said.
Just after noon, narcotics detectives investigated a business in the 6400 block of Industry Way after reports came in that the business may be in violation of health and safety standards.
After investigating, police said detectives found evidence of an active butane hash oil lab.
Butane hash oil involves drawing the oil from marijuana leaves, creating a paste and smoking it.
These “home cooking” operations are not only illegal, but unsafe, police said.
“This type of operation is extremely dangerous,” said Cmdr. Cameron Knauerhaze. “Time and time again, we see labs like this cause explosions and fires throughout Southern California.
“These drug labs bring no value to our community and they will not be tolerated.”
The Orange County Fire Department Hazardous Materials was called to inspect the scene for safety reasons.
Once the site was cleared, detectives served a search warrant and found lab materials associated with making hash oil, about 100 pounds of packaged marijuana, a large amount of marijuana oil and about $50,000 in cash.
Westminster residents Taylor Campbell, 31, and Denny Tran, 30, were arrested on suspicion of possession of hash oil and manufacturing of a controlled substance.
Police continue to investigate and anyone with information is encouraged to call Westminster Police at 714-898-3315, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS or by visiting OCCrimestoppers.org. Callers can remain anonymous.
