In early 2026, law enforcement officials in Las Vegas uncovered a suspected illegal biological laboratory inside a residential property, prompting comparisons to a similar case that surfaced in Reedley, California, in 2023. The discovery has led to an ongoing investigation involving local police, federal agencies, and public safety teams as they work to determine the purpose of the materials and whether there are connections between the two locations.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department acted on a tip suggesting that scientific equipment and hazardous substances were being kept in a home on the city’s east side. When officers carried out a search warrant, they focused on a locked garage area where they encountered laboratory-style devices, storage units, and multiple containers filled with unidentified liquids. Investigators carefully gathered more than a thousand samples, which were then transported to a federal facility for testing and analysis.
Authorities took extensive precautions during the search due to the unknown nature of the materials. Before entering, they used a remote device to assess the interior and collect initial information. Hazardous materials teams were later brought in to handle the removal of items safely. Officials said the setup inside the garage resembled what was previously discovered in California, leading to concerns about possible links between the two cases.
The earlier investigation in Reedley began when local authorities identified an unauthorized laboratory operating inside a warehouse. Inside, officials reported seeing research equipment, labeled biological samples, and animals that were believed to have been used in experiments. The discovery led to the arrest of Jia Bei Zhu, a Chinese national accused of producing and distributing medical testing products without proper approval and providing false information to regulators. He remains in federal custody and is scheduled to face trial later this year.
Investigators have since identified Zhu as the owner of the Las Vegas property where the second lab-like setup was found. His attorney has denied that he had any involvement in activities at the Nevada residence, noting that his client has been in custody for an extended period. Authorities, however, are examining records and communications to determine whether others may have been managing the property or operating equipment there.
During the Las Vegas investigation, police arrested a man identified as the property manager for the home. He faces charges related to the improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials. A second nearby residence connected to the same management was also searched, but officers did not report finding any questionable items there.
Some individuals who spent time inside the Las Vegas home have told investigators they became ill after entering the garage area. According to police records, a former cleaner reported breathing problems, fatigue, and muscle pain several days after working near the space. A handyman who had access to the same area described similar symptoms. Authorities also noted that another person connected to the property required medical treatment for respiratory issues. While these reports are still being reviewed, they have added urgency to the investigation.
Officials confirmed that one of the chemicals recovered at the scene was hydrochloric acid, a substance that can cause harm if mishandled. Investigators are continuing to analyze all recovered materials to determine their nature and potential risk. Despite the discovery, authorities have said there is currently no indication of danger to the surrounding community.
As the investigation continues, local leaders in Reedley have pointed to their earlier experience, saying the initial discovery in California suggested that other unauthorized labs might exist elsewhere. With the Las Vegas case now under examination, federal and local agencies are working together to piece together what occurred and whether additional locations may be connected.
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