OAKLAND — In a bust this week, federal authorities seized six pounds of meth and arrested a suspect on charges that carry a life sentence, court records show.
Carlos Martinez-Paredes was charged in federal court with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10 million fine.
A special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration wrote in an affidavit that the bust was preceded by an investigation that started in July. Using a confidential informant, federal authorities set up a number of meth buys involving Martinez, the agent wrote.
Last week, authorities secured warrants to search homes in Oakland and Richmond as part of the investigation, and scheduled a five-pound meth deal for Tuesday. On the day of the deal, agents saw Martinez-Paredes leaving a residence on the 2700 13th Avenue in Oakland and getting into a white Lexus, the agent wrote.
The feds followed him to the Home Depot parking lot where the deal had been scheduled, and arrested him there. Approximately five pounds were found in Tupperware containers inside the Lexus, authorities said.
Agents searched the 13th Avenue home and allegedly uncovered an additional pound of meth.
Martinez-Paredes remains in federal custody.