Costa Mesa Man Arrested with Over $58K in Meth Investigation

COSTA MESA, Calif. — In a narcotics operation conducted on April 1, 2025, the Special Investigations Unit arrested a 27-year-old man for possession of methamphetamine for sale. The operation took place in the City of Costa Mesa after officers initiated contact during a suspected narcotics transaction.

The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was taken into custody following the seizure of over $58,000 in cash, which authorities reported as a significant factor in drug trafficking cases. Under California Health and Safety Code § 11378, possession of methamphetamine for sale is considered a felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to three years in jail and fines that may reach $10,000.

The seizure of such a substantial amount of cash raises further legal implications for the suspect, including possible charges related to drug trafficking. Investigators continue to explore the full extent of his involvement in the narcotics trade.

According to recent statistics, methamphetamine abuse remains a serious concern in California, with approximately 252,000 adults reporting usage in 2021. The state has one of the highest rates of meth seizures in the United States, and communities, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley, grapple with the ongoing issues of meth-related overdoses.

Efforts to combat methamphetamine abuse have intensified across the state, with various prevention and treatment programs being implemented. However, the persistent problem necessitates robust law enforcement measures and community awareness to mitigate the risks associated with meth use.