Routine probation check leads to $2.1M Simi Valley drug bust; 2 arrested
2 arrested in $2.1M drug bust in Simi Valley
Jason Klausmeyer and April Baird were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for drug possession with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of ketamine and conspiracy.
SIMI VALLEY, Calif. - A joint operation between the Ventura County Probation Department and the Simi Valley Police Department led to a massive $2.1 million narcotics bust stemming from a routine probation appointment check.
What we know:
On May 29 at around 1 p.m., the Ventura County Probation Department and a Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) PROS Officer contacted Jason Klausmeyer for a scheduled probation appointment.
Klausmeyer arrived in his vehicle, which was driven and dropped off by his girlfriend, April Baird.
During a compliance search of the vehicle, Deputy Probation Officers and the SVPD PROS Officer discovered two kilograms of ketamine and more than $8,000.
The SVPD Special Investigations Unit intervened and secured search warrants for Klausmeyer’s residence and storage units located in San Clemente.
Both Klausmeyer and Baird were arrested at the scene and booked into jail on drug trafficking charges.
By the numbers:
The execution of these warrants resulted in the seizure of a massive cache of controlled substances, which included:
- 85,000 counterfeit Adderall pills (methamphetamine)
- 25,000 MDMA pills
- 30 pounds of ketamine
- 10 pounds of psilocybin
- 7 pounds of cocaine
- 1 pound of fentanyl
What we don't know:
Officials have not disclosed how long the trafficking operation had been running or if additional suspects are being investigated in connection with the San Clemente storage units.
What's next:
Klausmeyer and Baird will face formal drug trafficking charges in court as the Ventura County District Attorney's office reviews the case.
The seized narcotics will be held as evidence pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Simi Valley Police Department.