An investigation into illegal turtle distribution led to the arrest of four Davis men last week on drug-related charges, officials with the California Department of Justice confirmed Thursday.
Justin Yuanyee Fang, 25; Tony Tseng, 26; Derek Alexander Wong, 26; and Tercel Chiu-Wah Wong, 26; were taken into custody Nov. 28 at their home in the 2700 block of Ganges Place in West Davis, DOJ spokeswoman Michelle Gregory said. Only Fang remains in custody at the Yolo County Jail in lieu of $75,000 bail.
The foursome are due in Yolo Superior Court on Dec. 13 for pre-trial proceedings.
According to Gregory, the arrests stemmed from an investigation initiated by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife into the illegal distribution of turtles. While agents were talking to the men last week, “they observed a large quantity of marijuana in plain view inside the residence,” Gregory said.
The agents contacted Davis police, who learned that Fang was on probation for a prior drug conviction, and called in the Yolo County Narcotic Enforcement Team to assist in a probation search, Gregory said.
The search reportedly revealed just over 450 grams of marijuana and materials consistent with possessing the drug for sale, Gregory said. Agents seized scales, sealing and packaging materials, shipping labels, pay-and-owe sheets, an electronic money counter and $100,000 in cash that had been stored in a safe, she said.
Equipment used to convert marijuana into honey oil — a concentrated form of cannabis with a high THC content — also was taken in the search, Gregory said.
According to Gregory, Derek Wong claimed to have a medical marijuana recommendation, but the legitimacy of his card is under investigation.
Fang, Derek Wong and Tercel Wong all face multiple charges, including possession for sale of marijuana, conspiracy to sell marijuana and possession of stimulant medication that was found in the house with no related prescription, Gregory said.
Fang also is charged with possessing the honey oil extractor, while Tseng is charged with a single count of possessing the stimulant drugs.
The probe into the illegal turtle distribution is still ongoing, Gregory said.
— Reach Lauren Keene at lkeene@davisenterprise.net or 530-747-8048. Follow her on Twitter @laurenkeene