Victorville Woman Accused Of Running Cannabis-Extraction Lab At Home In Custody

VICTORVILLE (CBSLA.com) — A 43-year-old woman was in custody Wednesday on suspicion of running a cannabis-extraction lab in her home.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, deputies conducted a search warrant on Monday at a residence in the 14000 block of Buckskin Court.

Authorities said the homeowner, Ramona Meza, ran a daycare center with five children ages 1-5, at the household.

Investigators said two children were found unattended inside the residence while Meza picked up other children.

According to Child Protective Services, officials responded to the home and took the children into protective custody. The other three children under Meza's care were released into parental custody.

A concentrated cannabis-extraction lab was discovered in the garage during the search warrant conducted by investigators.

Officials explained the chemical process used in these types of labs is illegal and a violation of California's Health and Safety code.

The extraction process is extremely dangerous, with a high potential for fire and explosion due to the use of large amounts of butane, a detective said.

Two handguns found in a bedroom, one of which was reported stolen from Glendora, were also discovered.

Deputies explained both of the firearms were easily accessible to the children being cared for at the residence.

About 2 ounces of concentrated cannabis, 2 pounds of processed marijuana, over 90 canisters of butane and lab equipment were seized from the scene.

Meza was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for several felony violations, which include manufacturing of concentrated cannabis, possession of stolen property/firearms and multiple counts of child endangerment.