4 teens arrested on drug charges in task force sting

Four Coachella Valley teenagers are facing charges after being arrested in a sting targeting drug sales at Shadow Hills High School in Indio. Officers with the Coachella Valley Narcotics Task Force served three drug-related search warrants last Thursday.

A male student, whose name was withheld because of his age, was arrested at the school for investigation of possessing drugs for sale. A search warrant was served at his home in the 82300 block of Avenida Gonzalez and officers found more than 25 grams of cocaine and other drug-related items, according to the sheriff’s department. Deputy Armando Munoz said authorities also found a baby at the residence. Child Protective Services was called to the home.

Juan Calderon, 18, was also arrested at the home on drug charges.

The minor was booked into Juvenile Hall in Indio for conspiracy to possess narcotics with the intent to distribute. Calderon was was arrested and booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio for possession of narcotics and endangering a child.

Deputies said two more search warrants were served at homes in La Quinta and Indio later that same day where officers found more than 16 grams of cocaine, more than six grams of MDMA powder (commonly referred to as ecstasy or molly), and 24 capsules of the drug.

Deputy Munoz said the search warrants were served in the 43200 block of Liberty Street in Indio and the 79100 block of Diane Drive in La Quinta.

Kennedy Strong of La Quinta and Donald Moore of Indio, both 18, were also booked into the Riverside County Jail for possession of methamphetamine for sales and possession of narcotics, according to the sheriff’s release.

All three adult suspects are set to make court appearances in June.