500 Feet Of Copper Wire, Drug Paraphernalia Recovered In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Three people were arrested, cited and released on Monday after Santa Monica police found 500 feet of copper wire and a methamphetamine pipe in their car, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers stopped the men in the early morning hours on Oct. 23 for a stop sign violation at the intersection of 12th Street and Montana Avenue.

"Officers could see a methamphetamine pipe in the vehicle on the driver side floorboard and a large amount of copper wire in the backseat," SMPD said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The suspects were arrested on suspicion of grand theft, conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia. Due to new County bail protocols, the trio were then cited and released.

Authorities recovered over 500 feet of copper wire as well as additional drug paraphernalia from the car.

SMPD asked that residents report any suspicious activity around electrical equipment by calling dispatch at 310-458-8491 or 911 to report a potential theft in progress.