In the early morning of Wednesday, March 9, 2016, San Manuel residents near the Rancho San Manuel Mobile Home Park were startled by some loud bangs and voices booming over loud speakers.
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office assisted Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) while they were serving a search warrant at the John Garcia residence in the 400 block of San Carlos, San Manuel. PCSO initially provided traffic control while ATF and Border Patrol Agents searched the residence for weapons.
According to PCSO Public Information Officer Tim Gaffney, during the search, a large amount of drugs and drug paraphernalia were discovered. The Special Agent in charge of the scene requested the deputies take control of the drugs and charge the occupants at the state level. The deputies agreed and were led to one of the bedrooms where nearly 200 white pills in small plastic bags were found on top of a dresser. There were four types of pills, three of which were identified as prescription drugs.
Additionally, agents and deputies discovered two more small plastic bags inside the dresser with a white powdery substance inside. The deputy field tested it and it tested positive for methamphetamines, according to the report.
Also located during the search was a glass pipe with burnt and white residue inside.
The home’s owner, John E. Garcia, 49, was arrested by PCSO and charged with possession of drugs for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, possession of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of prescription pills. He was later transported to the Pinal County Jail in Florence.
The home’s other occupant was not charged.
It was unknown at press time whether ATF located any weapons or if any federal charges will be filed on Garcia or the other occupant.