Location: 24000 Block of Avenue 95 in Terra Bella

Incident Date: 8/14/19

Case Number: 19-10177

City: Terra Bella

Posted by: Media Relations

Welfare Check Leads Deputies to Active Honey Oil Lab In Terra Bella

         
Just before 9 p.m. on August 14, 2019, TCSO Deputies received an anonymous call to check the welfare of a seven and nine-year-old at the 24000 Block of Avenue 95 in Terra Bella. The call was later believed to be a ruse, in order to get the Sheriff’s Office to respond. 

When Deputies arrived, 60-year-old Richard Moreno answered the door and told Deputies no kids lived at the home. At that time, Deputies noticed Moreno appeared to be under the influence and evaluated him. 


Deputies did not find any children inside the home, but they did find several gallons of flammable liquids, bags of marijuana shake and glassware consistent with an active Honey Oil Lab throughout the bedrooms and common rooms of the home.

The TCSO Marijuana Investigation Team and the Department of Justice Lab Team took over the investigation. 
Moreno was arrested for being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Residence for Narcotic Use and Manufacturing a Lab. 


Sheriff Boudreaux wants to remind the public of the very real dangers associated with Honey Oil Labs. They can easily explode, threatening serious harm to anyone inside or living near the home, as well as first responders on the scene.


If you have any information about this investigation or any other Honey Oil Labs, you’re encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218. Anonymous information can be sent by text or email to TCSO@tipnow.com or call (559) 725-4194.