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Police Files Airbnb rental ‘party house’ is busted for drugs and stolen mail in South Laguna Detectives received a tip early Thursday morning referencing possible drug and fraudulent activity being conducted at a residence in the 31000 Block of Virginia Way. Officers proceeded to conduct surveillance, before contacting several subjects in front of the residence, which led to a search of the entire residence. According to LBPD Spokesperson Sgt Jim Cota, “Officers found heroin, needles, and what looks like meth, although it’s still undetermined, if in fact, it was actually meth.” “Inside the residence it was basically a ‘crash party house.’ Many of the people inside did not know each other,” said Sgt Cota. Rented through Airbnb, the officers found that the person who is renting the house was not at the premises at the time. Seven people were contacted – one occupant was not arrested and was released. Five people, between ages 25 and 35, were taken into custody, and the sixth suspect was transported to Mission Hospital because of a medical emergency. “The suspect that went to the hospital, heroin was found in his underwear,” Sgt Cota said. “We may have just saved his life.” None of the suspects are from Laguna, but they are from Orange County. “We got a hold of the homeowner and he came to the house and was very appreciative of the PD and the involved officers. He works in Laguna Beach,” said Sgt Cota. The suspects checked into the house on Tuesday as an Airbnb rental. The house – which is listed as a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom “quintessential 1930s Laguna Beach cottage” – rents for $350/night, according to an active listing on the website. The rental has a 5-star rating from past renters, and has a bonafide short-term housing rental permit through the City. “I am very pleased our officers and detectives were able to stop this criminal activity from continuing and possibly saving a life at the same time. This rental house was being used for criminal activity, so it needed to be shut down,” said Sgt Cota. “The Laguna Beach Police Department is fully committed to its citizens and pleased with the outcome that resulted in five arrests.” Besides being busted for drugs, the suspects were also found to be in possession of a large quantity of mail that was not their own. “Inside the premises, literally handfuls of local Laguna Beach residents’ mail was seized,” said Sgt Cota. “LBPD will get a hold of each person and individually let them know,” said Sgt Cota. All the suspects that were taken into custody are currently being held at LB Jail. Charges are pending.