House Fire Exposes Illegal Drug Lab

300 Block of Bonita Drive in Aptos Friday December 18 at 2:10 p.m.

Deputies were investigating a Butane Hash Oil Lab discovered after Aptos La Selva Fire personnel responded to a house fire on Bonita Drive (The same street as the Fire Station) in Aptos. Deputies discovered indoor marijuana cultivation along with the materials used to process marijuana into hash oil.

Inside the residence deputies found over 400 butane canisters being stored inside the residence. Fortunately the fire did not reach the main butane storage area, which had over 300 of the canisters. Had these been ignited it could have further jeopardized the Bonita Drive Neighborhood.

The suspect and homeowner, Antonio Gallindo-Perches, age 43, was severely injured and transported to the hospital, where he is still being treated for his injuries. No other persons were in the home. There were four dogs in the residence and one of the dogs perished in the fire. The surviving dogs were turned over to a neighbor. The case is still being investigated to determine all criminal charges in the case.

“This is the second butane hash oil lab that has caught on fire in our county in the last week. These labs are causing safety concerns and bringing risk into our neighborhoods. Any type of drug manufacturing or sales case occurring in a neighborhood that is brought to our attention will be thoroughly investigated by our detectives.” Sheriff Jim Hart said.

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Press Release Prepared by: Santa Cruz County Sheriff Lt. Bob Payne