Narcotics Investigation and Vehicle Pursuit Result in Two Arrests in Live Oak
LIVE OAK, CA — NET-5 Agents, assisted by the Sutter County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on De Ree Road in Live Oak at approximately 7:00 a.m. on April 2, 2026. The operation was part of a narcotics investigation involving 53-year-old Jeremy Basham and 70-year-old Larry Hicks.
Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Basham and Hicks attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle, initiating a pursuit through local orchards. During the pursuit, investigators observed occupants discarding suspected fentanyl from the vehicle. The pursuit concluded near Apricot and Samuel Streets, where authorities conducted a high-risk traffic stop.
The driver, Hicks, was detained without incident. The passenger, Basham, reportedly failed to comply with officers’ commands and made repeated movements inside the vehicle. Law enforcement deployed less-lethal force to gain compliance, and Basham was taken into custody after a brief period of resistance.
A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of various controlled substances, including 12.63 grams of fentanyl, 186 LSD tabs, 5.39 grams of methamphetamine, and 0.45 grams of ketamine. Additionally, agents recovered a rifle, over 100 rounds of ammunition, two sets of body armor, digital scales, and drug paraphernalia.
Basham and Hicks were booked into the Sutter County Jail on multiple felony charges related to narcotics and firearms. A third individual, 50-year-old Lisa Smith, was also booked on drug-related charges.
