A multiagency investigation dismantled two large-scale methamphetamine conversion laboratories in Bakersfield and Visalia, resulting in 12 arrests and the seizure of nearly 2,200 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Operation Klean Strip began in November 2025 and concluded Thursday, according to the sheriff’s office.

During the investigation, authorities served 16 search warrants and seized nearly 500 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, 4,000 marijuana plants, $20,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and 20 firearms.

A criminal complaint charges 12 defendants with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Those charged are Ramiro Luna, 52, of San Bernardino; Robert Gray, 54, of San Bernardino; Gustavo Alejandro Mendoza-Felix, 27, of Visalia; Jesus Efrain Lopez-Felix, 34, of Tulare; Elvis Ramirez-Beltran, 25, of Mexico, residing in Porterville; Gabriel Ramirez-Beltran, 27, of Mexico, residing in Selma; Marissa Lopez-Felix, 30, of Porterville; Jose Armando Lopez-Felix, 29, of Mexico, residing in Yokuts Valley; Jaciel Lopez-Felix, 23, of Mexico, residing in Sanger; Faustino Romero-Leon, 50, of Mexico, residing in Sanger; Alberto Lopez-Castillo, 21, of Visalia; and Jesus Adrian Rios-Ramirez, 27, of Mexico.

If convicted, the defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as fines of up to $10 million, depending on drug quantities and prior convictions.

The investigation was led by the FBI and the California Department of Justice Fresno High Impact Investigation Team, which includes personnel from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Fresno Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Kings County Sheriff’s Office, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Additional assistance came from Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area teams in Kern and Tulare counties, the Department of Homeland Security, the DEA, the Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force, and the Kern and Tulare county district attorney’s offices.

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