Earlier this week, Hollister Police received information of suspicious activity in the parking lot of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, across the street from San Benito High School’s football stadium. Officers arrived, discovered several individuals near a vehicle, and arrested an 18-year-old girl for alleged drug sales. Police say she admitted to possessing marijuana.
At about 3:15 p.m., Officer Juan Guevara was dispatched to the parking lot of a church on the 1600 block of Cienega Road after a citizen reported a suspicious car with young men and women in and around the vehicle and possible drug activity. When the officer arrived, he contacted four young adults and two juveniles and noticed an odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Officer Guevara determined there was a possible crime in progress of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and found additional evidence indicating that alleged sales of marijuana and marijuana edibles were being conducted.
Guevara said he discovered packaging containing edible marijuana, which was similar to the popular cereal “Fruit Loops” that were allegedly infused with THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the chemical most responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects. Police say he also discovered packaging containing something that resembled rock candy, which was also infused with THC and/or Hash Oil (produced by extracting the cannabinoids from the plant material).
The juveniles at the scene were subsequently released to their parents and three adults were released without charges at this time. The young woman was transported to the San Benito County Jail and booked for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of marijuana for sales. Additional charges including conducting sales within 1000 feet of a school are pending.
The Hollister Police Department said it wants to warn the public of the edibles infused with THC that may be sold in the city. They are purposely disguised as everyday food to prevent their discovery and may lead to unsuspecting victims ingesting the substance. The possibility of injuries or overdosing is possible with these unregulated edibles being sold at medical marijuana dispensaries throughout California.
In a news release, police said they would also like to point out those persons selling drugs to children “might not look like the person you imagine and there is a need for parents to be more vigilant as to who your kids are with and where they are throughout the day.”
This drug sales investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Officer Juan Guevara at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
