2 HELD IN METH JAIL SMUGGLING

Tulare County juvenile hall authorities knew they had a problem when they
started noticing that a number of their inmates were under the influence of
methamphetamine.

Today, after a weeklong investigation, a Tulare woman is in custody,
accused of smuggling meth to her son, a juvenile hall inmate who then
allegedly distributed the drug to others.

Caroline C. Rodriguez, 36, was arrested Friday at her home on the 500 block
of South H Street, said Sgt. Eric Velasquez of the county's Interagency
Narcotic Enforcement Team.

Carrying a search warrant, INET officers raided the residence shortly after
dawn and seized 3.5 grams of meth, 31/2 pounds of marijuana, two handguns
and items associated with narcotics sales, Velasquez said. Officers also
found a large amount of money that they believe is proceeds from drug sales.

The street value of the narcotics found in the residence was estimated at
$35,000.

Velasquez did not disclose how the meth allegedly was smuggled into the
facility. Juvenile hall officials were not available to comment Saturday.

Rodriguez was booked into the Tulare County Jail on suspicion of possession
of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of a
firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of narcotics
paraphernalia.

Her son will be charged with distribution of meth in a jail facility,
Velasquez said.