Twelve patrons and employees at two Arcata Plaza bars were arrested for alleged narcotics sales and possession following a 10-month-long undercover operation by state and local officers, according to the Arcata Police Department on Monday.
Undercover agents were able to buy a multitude of narcotics — including cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, DMT and MDMA — with the help of bar employees and patrons on “multiple occasions” during the investigation.
This reporter’s attempts to contact the owners and managers of both bars were not returned on Tuesday evening.
Some bar patrons expressed concern about the incident, but declined to provide their names to the Times-Standard.
In February, three employees and nine patrons at Sidelines and Toby & Jack’s bars were arrested on suspicion of various charges including narcotics sales and possession, facilitation of drug sales, conspiracy, driving under the influence, weapons violation and outstanding warrants.
The APD did not release the names of those arrested and did not respond to this reporter’s multiple attempts to contact them after the department news release was issued Tuesday evening.
The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control has filed accusations against both bars, which could result in fines or the businesses’ licenses being revoked, according to the APD.
The APD says that this case is still an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Arcata Police Department at 707-822-2424.
Will Houston can be reached at 707-441-0504.
