Location: 100 block of South State Street, Earlimart

Incident Date: 6/28/19

Incident Time: 0900 hours

Case Number: 19-07619

City: Earlimart

Posted by: Media Relations

Store in Earlimart busted for dealing illicit drugs

On June 28, 2019, Tulare County Sheriff’s Detectives served a narcotics search warrant at the Forever Fitted Clothing and Smoke Shop in Earlimart following a month-long investigation into the store being used as a front to sell narcotics. 


Detectives discovered processed marijuana in packages similar to children’s breakfast cereals.


They also interrupted an employee selling a man and a woman Vape cartridges laced with THC and concentrated cannabis. 


All three suspects were arrested on multiple drug charges. They are employee Gregorio Mathew Amaya; and Ronnie Garza and Celeste Turner who were shopping at the store.


Two pounds of processed marijuana, 55 THC Vape cartridges, 10 grams of THC Edibles and 20 grams of concentrated cannabis were seized.


During the investigation, Detectives learned that suspects Garza and Turner were in possession of a stolen vehicle and that he was a parolee. A Taser was located in the vehicle where Garza was seated. 


Additionally, Garza had provided false information to a peace officer and was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. 


Detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Tulare Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team Majors, Narcotics Unit as well as Agents from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration served the warrant on the 100 block of South State Street. 


This is an on-going investigation and further arrests are expected in the near future.  


Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or send anonymous information through the Sheriff’s TipNow Program at (559) 725-4194 or TCSO@tipnow.com.


Suspects arrested:  
Gregorio Mathew Amaya: 26 years of age; 11366 H&S, 11359 H&S, 11360 H&S, 182 P.C.
Ronnie Garza: 22 years of age; 3056 P.C., 148.9 P.C., 11364 H&S, 22610(a)M P.C., 496 P.C., 10851 V.C.
Celeste Turner: 19 years of age; 10851 V.C., 496 P.C.