Speed bust nabs 17-year-old mom-to-be

On Tuesday, BINTF agents armed with a search warrant raided the home of Victor Jaime, 57. Jaime was not home at the time, but his wife, Maria, was apprehended as she was trying to flush at least 30 bags of meth down the toilet, reported BINTF Commander Vic Lacey.

“These were some big crystals,” Lacey said, describing the quality of the speed as being “about 90 percent pure meth.”

In addition to arresting Maria Jaime, officers also brought in her 17-year-old daughter, who, in spite of being seven months pregnant, struggled with officers in an attempt to keep them away from her mom. Both women were booked on drug sales charges, for operating a drug house, resisting arrest and felony child endangerment. Maria Jaime was booked into the Butte County Jail, and the minor, whose name was not disclosed, was taken to juvenile hall.

An 18-month-old boy whom the Jaimes had apparently been providing child care for was taken into protective custody and turned over to county Children’s Services.

Upon searching the residence, agents reportedly found 50 grams of meth broken down into “quarter” bags for sale, as well as two electronic scales and more than $700 in cash.

Lacey said meth busts had increased as of late, but there was no way to be sure whether the drug was gaining in popularity or not.

“I wouldn’t want to say we’re losing the drug war. We’ve had some victories, some fairly big busts recently, but [meth] is just still hanging in there. It’s really sad when we get these kids, 14, 17 years old, and they’re doing the stuff.”

While the agents were on the scene, a 19-year-old man showed up at the residence with a speed pipe. He was cited and released.