Three people were arrested Tuesday in connection with a methamphetamine dealing operation at Hopland Sho-Ka-Wah Casino, which local and federal authorities have been investigating since June.

"We're still doing follow-up investigation regarding who was involved," said Special Agent in Charge Alan Hatano of the state Department of Justice's Bureau of Gambling Control.

Diana Elliott, 35, Orval Elliott, 48, and Vernon Abella, 51, allegedly sold methamphetamine to an undercover BGC agent on casino property in July, August and September, according to a Tuesday BGC press release.

Specially commissioned officers of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, employed by the Hopland Reservation Police Department, asked for help from the BGC in June.
Hopland officers and BGC agents conducted surveillance at the casino and identified drug dealers selling methamphetamine, according to the press release.
Surveillance during the transactions in July, August and September indicated a possible supply source.

On Tuesday, BGC agents and Hopland officers, along with agents of the Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force, served two search warrants on tribal land and arrested the three suspects, who lived at the sites across the street from each other.

Diana Elliott was arrested at the casino after allegedly trying to deliver a small amount of methamphetamine to the undercover BGC agent. She was also arrested for her suspected involvement in several prior methamphetamine sales to the undercover federal agent

 
Orval Elliott and Abella were arrested while walking to the casino on suspicion of conspiracy and selling methamphetamine to the BGC undercover agent. Orval Elliott was allegedly involved in one prior sale; Abella was allegedly involved in two prior sales.

The search warrants were served at two addresses in the 3400 block of Shanel Road in Hopland. Agents seized evidence of drug sales, but found "just residue" of methamphetamine, according to Hatano.
He said BGC agents continue to investigate and have identified "several suspects" who may have been involved in the drug dealing operation at the casino.