Las Vegas Bio Lab Discovery Echoes California Find, Officials Raise Concerns

Officials have raised concerns over a recent discovery of a bio lab in Las Vegas, echoing a similar find in California. In late 2023, authorities uncovered an illegal laboratory in Reedley, a suburb of Fresno County, California. The facility contained pathogen-labeled containers associated with serious diseases, along with a significant number of test subjects.

California Bio Lab Discovery

The Reedley lab was revealed to have housed around 1,000 mice, which were likely utilized as test subjects. Containers with labels indicating the presence of dengue fever, HIV, and malaria were also found. Jia Bei Zhu, a Chinese national, faced arrest in October 2023, later being indicted for distributing misbranded medical items, including coronavirus tests. He remains in custody with a court appearance scheduled for April 2024.

Las Vegas Investigation

Following the California incident, Las Vegas authorities conducted a raid early Saturday morning at a residence linked to Zhu. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department discovered multiple refrigerators, a freezer, and laboratory-type equipment in a locked garage. Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that these findings mirrored those reported in Reedley.

Details of the Las Vegas Find

• Location: Home in Las Vegas tied to Jia Bei Zhu.
• Items found:
  • Centrifuge
  • Biosafety tools
  • Gallon-sized containers of unknown liquids
  • Vials of refrigerated unknown substances
• More than 1,000 samples collected and sent to the National Bioforensic Analysis Center.

Prior to the raid, the police had received limited alerts about hazardous materials being stored at the property. In light of these findings, Sheriff McMahill expressed uncertainty about what further dangers might exist.

Reedley Officials’ Concerns

Nicole Zieba, Reedley’s city manager, expressed a lack of surprise regarding these discoveries. Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig highlighted the potential for more laboratories like those in Reedley elsewhere in the United States. Zieba criticized the federal government for its inadequate response when officials attempted to alert them about the situation.

Additional Arrests and Responses

The investigation led to the arrest of Ori Solomon, who allegedly managed both properties involved in the investigation. Solomon faces charges related to the improper disposal of hazardous waste. Zhu’s attorney, Anthony Capozzi, maintained that his client was not connected to any biolab activities in Las Vegas.

As investigations continue, local authorities have acknowledged the substantial work ahead. “If it’s anything like the Reedley case, there was no manual to pull off the shelves,” noted Zieba, reflecting the seriousness and complexity of the situation.

Local law enforcement remains on high alert as they navigate the implications of these discoveries in both Las Vegas and California.