Atascadero Police Department Investigation Leads to the Dismantling of a Large-Scale Drug Distribution Operation in North San Luis Obispo County

Following a month-long investigation, the Atascadero Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) successfully dismantled a large-scale drug distribution operation operating in North San Luis Obispo County.

Through extensive investigative efforts, SET detectives developed credible information regarding narcotics trafficking activities based in north San Luis Obispo County. This information led to the issuance of a search warrant for a residence located in the 3400 block of Spring Street in Paso Robles.

On May 20, 2025, with the assistance of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and the Paso Robles Police Department, SET detectives executed the initial search warrant. Evidence discovered during this search led investigators to a second location, a storage unit in the 3400 block of Park Street in Paso Robles. A subsequent search warrant was obtained and executed on May 22, 2025.

As a result of both searches, detectives seized a significant quantity of illegal narcotics and firearms, including:

• 16 grams of cocaine
• 8.14 pounds of fentanyl
• 12.2 ounces of methamphetamine
• 1.2 pounds of heroin
• Three handguns, one of which was confirmed to be stolen and one replica handgun

The total estimated street value of the seized narcotics is approximately $178,000.

Two individuals were arrested in connection with the operation:

• Edgar Diego Mendoza, a 35-year-old male from Paso Robles, was booked into the SanLuis Obispo County Jail on the following charges:
  • PC 182–Conspiracy
  • H&S 11351(a)–Possession of narcotics for sale
  • H&S 11378–Possession of methamphetamine for sale
  • H&S 11370–Drug enhancements
  • PC 496–Possession of stolen property
  • PC 12022.1–Committing a felony while on bail or OR release
• Maria Alvarez Lemus, a 36-year-old female from Paso Robles, was also arrested and booked on the following charges:
  • H&S 11351(a)–Possession of narcotics for sale
  • PC 182–Conspiracy

The Atascadero Police Department would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the San LuisObispo County Sheriff’s Office and the Paso Robles Police Department for their partnership andassistance. This collaborative effort led to the removal of nearly 12 pounds of dangerous narcotics from our community and the disruption of a major drug trafficking network.