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Atascadero police dismantle drug dealing operation

May 27, 2025

By KAREN VELIE

Following a month-long investigation, Atascadero police offices dismantled a large-scale drug distribution operation operating in North San Luis Obispo County, police said.

After months of work, officers served a search warrant on the 3400 block of Spring Street in Paso Robles. The search led to a second search at a storage unit in the 3400 block of Park Street in Paso Robles.

During the searches, detectives seized:

• 16 grams of cocaine
• 8.14 pounds of fentanyl
• 12.2 ounces of methamphetamine
• 1.2 pounds of heroin
• Three handguns, one of which was confirmed to be stolen and one replica handgun

The total estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $178,000.

Officers arrested 35-year-old Edgar Diego Mendoza of Paso Roble for conspiracy, possession of narcotics for sale, possession of methamphetamine for sale, possession of stolen property and committing a felony while on bail or release.

In addition, officer booked 36-year-old Maria Alvarez Lemus of Paso Robles into the county jail on charges of possession of narcotics for sale and conspiracy.

 


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The illicit drug market prevails as a result of our nation’s hunger to get high or numb emotional pain, supporting the Cartels we hear about. Fentanyl is a killer, worrying me the most.


7

Is it accurate that a total of over 10 pounds of street-level narcotics has an estimated value of only $178,000? That figure seems surprisingly low given the volume involved, and I’m wondering if it reflects wholesale pricing, lower-purity product, or a specific drug type with a lower street value???


18

Kind of refreshing as press releases usually tend to maximize value of drugs seized.


3

Considering this is Atown PD taking the lead — guessing this is related to the cocaine that was being sold through Outlaws.


10

Wondering why Atascadero PD did this when they were located in Paso.


4

Paso PD is too busy harassing people over expired registration and towing their vehicles.


-2

Good Job again Atascadero PD. Keep getting these murderers off the street.


10

“Of paso Robles” lol, right


3

I abhor the dealers but; who around here is buying this hard level crud?!? As far as I know cocaine is expensive and the same with heroin. Think twice before trusting someone just because they have a lot of money…


8