LOWER LAKE, Calif. – A Monday afternoon traffic enforcement stop conducted by a deputy sheriff in Lower Lake has resulted in one arrest and the seizure of approximately 6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.

Armando Barrera, 26, of Modesto was arrested during the stop, according to a report from Sgt. Steve Herdt of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Just after 1:30 p.m. Monday a sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on an Acura sedan for vehicle code violations on Highway 29 near the intersection of Highway 53 in Lower Lake, Herdt said.

Herdt said the deputy contacted the driver and solo occupant of the car, who was identified as Barrera.

A sheriff’s narcotics detection K9 alerted to the presence of a controlled substance in the area of the car’s trunk, Herdt said.

While searching the trunk, the deputy located a suitcase with three large bags of crystal shards determined to be approximately 6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to Herdt.

When broken down into individual dosage units, Herdt said this amount of methamphetamine has a street value of more than $250,000 in Lake County.

Barrera was arrested for transporting and possessing a controlled substance for the purposes of sales. Herdt said Barrera was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility where he was booked.

Barrera, whose booking sheet reported that he is an audio engineer, remained in custody early Wednesday with bail set at $35,000. He’s scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Wednesday.

Herdt said the sheriff’s office is continuing its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for asset forfeiture whenever possible. 

Anyone with information that can assist the Narcotics Unit with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.