Massive Meth Bust at California Airbnb by Cleaning Crew

A cleaning crew at an Alhambra, California Airbnb property made a shocking discovery: 235 pounds of methamphetamine, leading to the arrest of two suspects charged with transporting narcotics.

Alhambra Police Department officers were summoned to an Airbnb property on the 1400 block of Ethel Avenue after a cleaning crew reported finding suspicious boxes. Upon arrival, officers discovered a staggering cache of approximately 235 pounds of methamphetamine, an illegal and highly addictive stimulant.

Investigators quickly reviewed Ring camera footage, which captured the suspects using a U-Haul van to transport the narcotics. The Alhambra Police Department launched a swift operation and apprehended the two individuals responsible for the illicit shipment.

The identities of the suspects remain undisclosed while the investigation proceeds. Police released an image depicting the seized meth packages neatly arranged on the ground, providing tangible evidence of the significant narcotics seizure.

Airbnb and the Alhambra Police Department have yet to issue official statements regarding the incident. This substantial meth bust highlights the growing concerns over drug-related activities associated with short-term rentals like Airbnb.

In a related incident, a neighborhood in Long Beach, California recently enacted a ban on unsupervised Airbnb rentals due to concerns about disruptive drug parties and other illegal activities. This move came after a shooting victim was found near a residence rented out through Airbnb.

Andy Oliver, a resident of College Estates, initiated a petition to address the rampant drug use and noise disturbances stemming from uncontrolled Airbnb rentals in his area. His efforts resulted in the successful passage of new restrictions, requiring Airbnb hosts in the neighborhood to either convert to supervised rentals with on-site hosts or discontinue their operations upon license expiration.

The Alhambra meth bust and the Long Beach Airbnb ban underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities and communities in regulating short-term rentals and combating drug-related incidents associated with these properties.

As Airbnb and other rental platforms continue to gain popularity, law enforcement agencies and local governments must collaborate to implement effective measures to prevent illegal activities and ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

The Alhambra Police Department's swift response and the Long Beach neighborhood's proactive stance demonstrate the importance of vigilance and community involvement in addressing drug-related concerns.

By working together, law enforcement, Airbnb, and the public can create a safer and more responsible environment for both short-term rentals and the communities they impact.