Feds Target Perris Man In Narcotics Investigation

PERRIS, CA — A 32-year-old convicted felon accused of manufacturing and selling methamphetamine out of his Perris home where young children were present was arrested Tuesday by federal authorities.

Alvaro Hector Martinez was indicted earlier this month on three counts of possession of meth, and one count each of conspiracy to distribute the illegal substance, knowingly possessing a gun while drug trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Martinez was taken into custody without incident and was slated to make his initial appearance Tuesday afternoon at U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the defendant allegedly maintained a home-based drug lab, where he turned out large quantities of meth.

In a March 2021 deal, Martinez sold 34 pounds to an unnamed buyer, and after a search warrant was served at his property, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized 17.6 pounds of meth, 12.6 pounds of marijuana, five gallons of meth solution, two rifles, two pistols, tactical vests and a meth conversion lab, prosecutors allege.

Two boys, ages 2 and 3, were at the location, but authorities didn't specify whether they were the defendant's kids. They were turned over to the care of Riverside County Child Protective Services staff.

It was not immediately known how long Martinez was allegedly engaged in narcotics trafficking.

He has prior convictions in state court for grand theft and being a felon in possession of a gun, according to the indictment.