Cargo containers on an empty lot held over 800 pounds of meth.

WHAT HAPPENED

City code workers in Palmdale, California, went to check out a vacant property. Neighbors had reported illegal dumping on the lot.

While looking around, the workers found cargo containers hidden on the land. Inside, they did not find trash. They found a huge drug lab.

Crews found over 800 pounds of meth inside. They also found tools and photos showing how the crew made the drugs in different steps. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is now leading the criminal search.

What the evidence shows

• Over 800 pounds of meth found on the vacant lot.
• The drugs were hidden inside metal cargo containers.
• Crews found tools and photos showing multiple stages of drug making.
• The bust is one of the largest drug seizures in Palmdale history.
• Five public groups joined forces to secure the site.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

This bust shows how easy it is to hide massive illegal setups right in our backyards. How long had this drug lab been running under everyone's noses?

Empty lots are common in growing desert cities. If a small crew can hide 800 pounds of heavy drugs in plain sight, we have to ask how well cities are watching these open spaces.

THE OTHER SIDE

At this time, police have not named or arrested any suspects. Because there are no suspects, we do not have a defense statement.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

The sheriff's department and police are searching for the people who built the lab.

City leaders are urging residents to keep reporting illegal dumping. They hope this big bust shows that small complaints can solve giant crimes.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Who owns the vacant lot and did they know what was happening?
2. How long was this drug lab operating before city workers found it?
3. Where were these drugs going to be sold?