Authorities dismantled a large methamphetamine conversion lab in a rural area of North Edwards this week, seizing more than 860 pounds of the drug and arresting three suspects, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies, along with the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and several partner agencies, served a search warrant Wednesday at a property on the 19500 block of Desert View. Investigators said they found about 762 pounds of methamphetamine and another 100 pounds in solution.

Rigoberto Lugo-Flores, 48, and Jesus Alfredo-Quintero, 32, both of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, and Juventino Torres, 48, of Michoacan, Mexico, were apprehended as they tried to flee the property, officials said.

The three were booked into the Lerdo Justice Facility on charges including manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance for sale, maintaining a residence for drug sales, conspiracy, and possession of marijuana for sale.

Lugo-Flores also faces an additional charge of possessing a controlled substance while armed with a loaded handgun.

Environmental health officials and code compliance officers were called in to handle dangerous chemicals at the site.

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