Drug house discovered after stolen trailer searched in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A stolen trailer led to three arrests and various drug charges after opioids and stimulants were found inside.

Police say they executed a search warrant on Worth Drive in Porterville on Friday around 9 a.m. after detectives developed information that a stolen trailer was on the property.

As officers arrived, police say 48-year-old Kevin Russell immediately fled into the stolen trailer. After approximately 45 minutes, numerous commands, and SWAT deployment, Russell exited the stolen trailer and was detained.

During a search of the stolen trailer, detectives say they found a significant amount of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and prescription medications that Russell had attempted to conceal or destroy. Brass knuckles, drug paraphernalia, and evidence that indicated Russell was actively engaged in drug sales was also located.

Based on this evidence and Russell’s previous drug-related convictions, detectives formed the opinion Russell was operating and maintaining a drug house.

During the search, detectives also contacted 48-year-old Eugene Gaines, who had an active misdemeanor arrest warrant, and 38-year-old William Strowmatt who was on Post-Release Community Supervision and had six outstanding arrest warrants.

According to officers, Russell was arrested under suspicion of possession of a stolen trailer; destruction of evidence; possession of fentanyl for sales; possession of cocaine for sales; possession of heroin for sales; possession of brass knuckles; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of drugs with prior convictions; operating and maintaining a drug house and resisting or delaying a police officer. He was booked at the TCSO South County Detention Facility where he is being held without bail.

Police say Strowmatt was booked at the TCSO South County Detention Facility under suspicion of resisting or delaying a police officer and his six outstanding arrest warrants; he is also being held without bail. Gaines was cited and later released from the Porterville Police Department on his misdemeanor warrant.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at 559-782-7400 or through their departmental Facebook or Instagram page. Those who have information may also provide it anonymously.