Arrests and drug seizures are the highlights of busy weeks for the CHP

#ICYMI is a roundup of recent notable incidents involving the California Highway Patrol (CHP), highlighting a pivotal month that marked major progress in the fight against organized retail crime and a traffic stop that resulted in the seizure of $1.3 million worth of cocaine. The report also details a crime-fighting streak by two Hayward police officers, a welfare check of a driver at a convenience store that resulted in a drug arrest, and statewide efforts that underscore the CHP's commitment to child safety.

Achieve great results

In August, the CHP's Organized Retail Crime Task Force (ORCTF) continued its high enforcement rates and is already on track to surpass the total number of enforcements for all of 2023. A September 18 press release from Governor Newsom highlighted the CHP's enforcement efforts in August, including 171 arrests and the recovery of over 26,000 stolen items valued at more than half a million dollars. Since January, the ORCTF has made 1,055 arrests and 573 investigations, recovering over $7.8 million in stolen merchandise.

Cocaine seizure on I-5

On September 7, an officer with the Central Division CHP seized 37 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately $1.3 million, during a traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Merced County. After stopping a driver for a traffic violation, the officer noticed signs of criminal activity and upon further investigation discovered the drugs. Two Oregon residents were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including possession and transportation of cocaine. The case was turned over to the Merced Area Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Lucky streak

Two officers with the Hayward Area CHP recently had a busy week. Early last week, they stopped a truck traveling at 100 mph and quickly discovered ammunition in the truck's cab. Upon further investigation, officers discovered a loaded, unidentified firearm, a shotgun, body armor, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Both occupants, convicted felons, were arrested on drug and weapons charges. The two officers' crime-fighting streak continued on September 19, when they stopped another vehicle traveling at 90 mph. The driver was arrested for DUI and a loaded, unregistered firearm was found in his waistband. He was booked into the county jail.

Arrest for welfare checks

In the early morning hours of September 17, while completing a stolen vehicle investigation at a convenience store on Mariposa Road, Stockton Area CHP officers noticed a man slumped in a parked car. During a stop, officers discovered small baggies of white powder on his lap. A subsequent search of the vehicle found marijuana, psilocybin, prescription codeine syrup, various pills, and a large amount of cash. The driver was arrested and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail where he was charged with multiple counts of drug possession, sale, and transportation.

Protecting young lives

The CHP spent National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21, educating parents and caregivers across the state about the importance of proper child restraints. Since car crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the U.S., properly installed child restraints can reduce fatal injuries by as much as 71 percent. The CHP recommends parents visit one of their local branches for assistance with proper child restraint installation.