Four people were arrested last week after Merced County sheriff's deputies observed a methamphetamine transaction taking place in the parking lot of the Target shopping center in Atwater.
Arrested during the bust were suspects David Baca, 28, of Riverside, Rafael Vaca, 30, of Fontana, Juana Reyes, 24, of Hilmar and Homero Espino of Turlock, according to Deputy Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman.
The department's STAR Team learned about the sale during an investigation over the course of several weeks in Turlock and Atwater, MacKenzie said.
Detective Jason Cope and investigators watched the deal taking place around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, at 1000 Commerce Ave.
The deputies moved in, arrested the suspects, and seized $60,000 in illegal drugs. The drugs included two pounds of methamphetamine, wrapped in four half-pound bundles.
Reyes was booked on suspicion of selling methamphetamine and is being held in lieu of $160,000 bail.
Espino, Vaca and Baca were booked on suspicion of selling methamphetamine.
They are being held without bail, and will likely be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials.
MacKenzie said Espino resisted arrested during the incident, and had to be forced to the ground.
-- Victor A. Patton
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