More warrants served related to jail drug-smuggling operation

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has arrested another person they believe is connected to a drug-smuggling operation at the Monterey County Jail.

Monterey County SWAT and jail detectives served two search warrants on Wednesday morning. One was on the 12-hundred block of Del Monte Avenue, the other on the 800-block of Rider Avenue in Salinas.

“We believe there were drugs there and we also believe both locations were tied to smuggling drugs or attempting to smuggle drugs into the Monterey County Jail,” said Cmdr. John Thornburg.

Maria Alvarez was arrested at her home on Del Monte Avenue Wednesday.

Authorities say Alvarez, who they believe is an active gang member, was booked with possession for sales and child endangerment, after authorities said methamphetamine was stored near a three year old child.

Authorities believe this is connected to a case KION first reported nearly two weeks ago, where four people were busted on drug and weapons charges.

On May 11, authorities raided two homes in East Salinas and confiscated more than two pounds of meth, two pounds of weed, cash and two guns.

Michael Meza, 36, Gregorio Solis, 27, and Sergio Ruiz, 34, were taken into custody. Charges are pending against Luz Solis, 28.

Authorities believe they tried sneaking meth into the jail by soaking paper into a meth solution, drying it, then mailing it to inmates.

Six inmates have also been identified as receiving the parcels: Jose Meza, Jameson Davis, Jesse Martinez, Anthony Contreras, Jose Estrada and Jesus Flores.

The investigation is still ongoing, as there could be more people involved.