California officials have criticized the federal government’s response to a biotech lab found in Reedley, Fresno County, containing dangerous pathogens and about 1,000 experimental mice. The lab, discovered in late 2023, led to the arrest of Jia Bei Zhu, a Chinese national charged with distributing adulterated medical supplies. Following this, authorities in Las Vegas found similar lab equipment, including refrigerators and containers with unknown substances, in a home linked to Zhu.
Investigators collected over 1,000 samples from the Las Vegas scene, raising concerns about other potential labs across the U.S. Local officials expressed frustration at the federal response, indicating they felt their warnings had been ignored. Zhu’s attorney claimed his client was not involved with any Las Vegas lab activity. Meanwhile, another suspect, Oli Solomon, was arrested for allegedly mishandling hazardous waste related to the facilities. The investigation is ongoing, with federal agents returning to the Reedley site as officials continue to address the situation.
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