RIVERSIDE, CA — In the early part of December 2017, the Riverside Police Department developed information regarding subjects selling illegal narcotics from a residence using a drone. The Narcotics Unit conducted a surveillance in the Orangecrest neighborhood of Riverside when they observed a drone leave the rear yard of residence in the 8700 block of Chesapeake Lane. The drone flew to a nearby parking lot and dropped a small package of narcotics which were recovered by awaiting customers.
On Thursday, December 21, 2017, at about 8:00 a.m., the Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at the residence where the drone activity was observed. They were assisted by the Technical Services Unit (Bomb Squad) and officers assigned to the North Neighborhood Policing Center. During the search, Detectives immediately noticed the house posed a high danger risk for the officers and occupants. The Riverside Fire Department responded and remained at the location to ensure everyone’s safety while the investigation continued.
Numerous used and uncapped hypodermic syringes were scattered throughout a bedroom along with unpackaged powders believed to contain fentanyl. Detectives also located methamphetamine and suspected LSD laced candies, as well as the drone used for the delivery of the illegal narcotics.
During the investigation, Detectives learned a 9-year-old girl was also living at this residence. They located a “vape pen” containing marijuana inside her bedroom, which they believed was left there by the suspects. The County of Riverside Child Protective Services responded to assist in the investigation and the child was later released to her mother.
Benjamin Baldassarre, 39-years-old, and Ashley Carroll, 31-years-old, both of Riverside, were arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for possession of controlled substances, possession of controlled substances for the purposes of sales, conspiracy to commit a crime, and child endangerment.
