WINTERHAVEN, CA — Imperial County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Winterhaven Sub-Station initiated a bicycle stop on a male subject for a traffic violation on Saturday, June 13, 2026. During the encounter, a consensual search was performed on the individual, who was subsequently identified as 46-year-old Matias Nieto of Yuma AZ.
The initial search revealed that Nieto was in possession of six small black baggies, each containing approximately 1.0 gram of suspected methamphetamine. Following this discovery, deputies placed Nieto under arrest and conducted a search incident to the arrest. This secondary search resulted in the discovery of three clear plastic bags containing suspected methamphetamine, with individual weights measured at 30 grams, 25 grams, and 4.5 grams. Investigators also located 22 grams of marijuana and a self-built methamphetamine pipe on his person.
Deputies conducted an interview with Nieto, leading investigators to conclude that the methamphetamine was possessed for the purpose of sale. A review of Nieto’s criminal history, completed with the assistance of Imperial County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers, indicated prior narcotics convictions. Nieto was transported to the Imperial County Jail, where he was booked on charges of possession of narcotics with priors, possession for sales, transportation of narcotics, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
