A Morongo Valley man, already in custody, has additional charges after a follow-up search revealed significant drugs and weapons at his home. Monday, January 11, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Richard Andrade, 49, and arrested him for investigation of possession of methamphetamine for sales. Andrade is still in custody at West Valley Detention Center with $500,000 bail. Thursday (February 11) investigators developed information that more illegal narcotics were stored at Andrade’s residence in the 49500 block of Park Avenue. Deputies served a warrant and located a loaded .45-caliber pistol and ammunition and about 5.2 ounces of methamphetamine, along with items consistent with drug sales. Andrade is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Richard Andrade will face additional charges of being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm with ammunition, and possession of a controlled substance for sale.
