Guns, drugs and money were found inside Unique Photo (California)

Cops bust photo shop co-owner for meth

By Rachel Cohen, STAFF WRITER

PACIFICA — Behind the windows of an innocuous-looking photo shop filled with family portraits, a co-owner sold the hard-core drug crystal methamphetamine, authorities said.
Demetrio Tinsay Nagtalon, 62, was arrested Monday at 3 p.m., the culmination of a month-long investigation and surveillance into Unique Photo, located in the Fairmont Shopping Center. Nagtalon was co-owner of the business. His partner is not implicated in the bust.

San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force officers seized eight ounces of crystal methamphetamine — with a street value of $18,240 — almost a dozen firearms and more than $22,000 in U.S. currency from the 757 Hickey Blvd. business, a task force spokesman said.

"It is a sad case that he [Nagtalon— has drugs and guns inside when people are going there to do legitimate business. Now the public can feel good about going there," Narcotics Task Force Cmdr. Mark Wyss said.

Some of the guns and methamphetamine were found behind the sales counter and the majority was in a small back office. The methamphetamine was packaged in ready-for-sale bags and bulk quantities, along with packaging material and scales, Wyss said. No books or "pay and owe sheets" tracking the sales were found.

Two of the guns were loaded — one was behind the front counter and the other back in the office. Wyss added that it's common for drug dealers to arm themselves for protection. In total, the officers seized six handguns, two rifles and two shotguns

in the shop, plus an additional shotgun in a follow-up search at Nagtalon's Daly City home, he said.

"The guns in the office were not hidden; it was very small and cluttered," Wyss said.

The investigation began more than a month ago, when officers received a tip about the business. The task force sent undercover officers twice to purchase the drug. They presented their compiled report in an affidavit to a judge who issued a search warrant.

Before entering the shop Monday, the task force officers conducted an observation for some time to make sure Nagtalon was working and that no customers or other employees were present. Police said Nagtalon cooperated with them.

Nagtalon is charged with two counts of sales of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for sale and possession of firearms while trafficking narcotics. He is being held at the county jail in lieu of $450,000 bail; arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. today at the county courthouse in Redwood City.

A Unique Photo employee said they were open for business Thursday and would be open today.


Rachel Cohen covers public safety and can be reached at (650) 348-4339 or by e-mail at rcohen@sanmateocountytimes.com.