Red-faced California police conducted a sting operation where they sold a large packet of meth to a suspected drug dealer and then watched him drive away.
In order to provide undercover sheriff’s deputies in Riverside County near Los Angeles with the evidence they needed to apprehend their target, they allegedly agreed to supply 27 kilogrammes (nearly 60 pounds) of the illegal stimulant.
But the suspect apparently had no interest in waiting around to be apprehended after giving the money and taking his haul.
“After the transaction, the suspect drove away and deputies from the Gang Task Force attempted a vehicle stop,” a press release from Riverside County Sheriff said of the April 19 operation.
“The suspect failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated. Due to the high speeds and suspect’s disregard for public safety, deputies lost sight of the vehicle.”
The Los Angeles Times quoted defeated sheriff candidate Michael Lujan, a former captain in the department, as saying he had heard the drugs were worth around $35,000.
“Why would you let someone get in their vehicle, I don’t know,” he said.
“It is pretty embarrassing. It’s unfortunate because now we have additional narcotics out on the street.”