Two arrested on suspicion of possession

Laguna Beach and Garden Grove detectives arrested two people in Garden Grove on Thursday after allegedly discovering 4,000 ecstasy pills in their car with an estimated street value of $40,000, Laguna Beach Police Lt. Jason Kravetz said.

One of the suspects is a 16-year-old Garden Grove resident who police allege is a juvenile gang member with ties to a violent group. His name is being withheld because he is a minor.

The other arrestee is identified as 21-year-old Lam Dinh Nguyen of Fountain Valley.

The arrests, in a parking lot in Garden Grove, took place after a month-long investigation, Kravetz said. The two were arrested on suspicion of sale or transport and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, according to police.

“Ecstasy is one of the most dangerous drugs threatening young people today,” Kravetz said. “It is a synthetic chemical which has become one of the easiest types of drugs to obtain. The effects are similar to those of amphetamines and hallucinogens. It is very popular at social events like raves, hip hop parties and concerts.”

Kravetz said that, recently, several Laguna Beach youth have been detained for possession of the drug.