The possession and use of controlled substances led to the arrest of numerous Corcoran residents on March 21, as local police officers conducted three drug-related busts within hours of one another. It began at 8:49 a.m., when Fernando Molina, 41, was pulled over during a routine traffic stop in the 2100 block of Sherman Avenue. When officers approached his vehicle, they discovered the man trying to hide 0.1 grams of heroin inside his mouth while still attempting to speak.

He was booked into the Kings County Jail on charges of possession, transportation and being under the influence of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $35,000.

At 1:04 p.m., Corcoran Police officers assisted state parole agents in searching the resident of Joel Guzman, 26, who was wanted on a parole violation. During a search of his residence in the 600 block of Miller Avenue, Guzman was found in possession of 5.7 grams of suspected cocaine.

He was arrested on charges of possession and being under the influence of a controlled substance, as well as possessing a controlled substance for sales. He is currently being held on $30,000 bail and a parole violation.

Closing out the evening, an officer stopped 30-year-old Joseph Becerra at 6:38 p.m. while biking through the 1100 block of San Joaquin Avenue. The man identified himself to police and was found with 0.2 grams of methamphetamine on his person, as well as assorted drug paraphernalia.

Becerra was transported to the Kings County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail. He was charged with possession, transportation and being under the influence of a controlled substance and a separate charge of possessing drug paraphernalia.

None of the three arrests are believed to be connected.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(March 31, 2008)