Rocket Launcher Allegedly Discovered as Murrieta Police Serve Drug Warrant

A woman was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing a military-issued rocket launcher Thursday in Murrieta when police served a narcotics search warrant.

Thirty-five-year-old Ekaterina Lanas and two others were taken into custody following the investigation that began at around 1 p.m. Thursday in the 24000 block of Troyes Lane in Murrieta, according to a news release written by Murrieta police Sgt. Steve Dyer.

Detectives with the Murrieta Police Department Special Enforcement Team had gone to the residence to serve a narcotics search warrant, with their investigation leading them to a nearby storage facility.

While searching the storage unit, Dyer said detectives discovered some military equipment, including a shoulder-fired rocket launcher and a three-foot military projectile.

Because the devices were potentially dangerous, the Riverside Sheriff’s Department Hazardous Device Team responded to evaluate them.

It was determined that the rocket launcher was unloaded; however by law it is a felony to possess, Dyer stated.

The projectile was determined to be an inert training round, the sergeant added.

Lanas was arrested on suspicion of possession of a destructive device and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Also arrested were Melissa Lynn Johns, 29, and Jonathan Christian Hamilton, 28, each on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All were booked at Southwest Detention Center near Murrieta.

Jail records as of Friday indicated Lanas had been released after posting $25,000 bond, while Johns and Hamilton remained jailed in lieu of $5,000 bail each.

Drugs allegedly recovering included methamphetamine and pills, according to Dyer; a small number of syringes were also allegedly confiscated.

The sergeant declined to provide the location of the storage facility, but confirmed it was in Murrieta.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation was asked to contact the Murrieta Police Department Special Enforcement Team by calling 951-461-6363. Information may also be provided anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-CRIME. 

Editor’s Note: The outcome of these allegations, as well as the facts, may change as the case progresses through the legal system. Not all details of each investigation are made public. All items are alleged to have occurred. There should be no assumption of guilt.