Two Arrested in Marijuana Growth Investigation

Two Arrested in Marijuana Growth Investigation

Concerned Citizens Reported The Activity

SANTA CRUZ—Just because you were granted a medical marijuana card does not mean you can ignore the rules that pertain to the still illegal substance. Two Santa Cruz County residents found that out when Santa Cruz County authorities came knocking on their door.

Authorities arrested 28-year-old Kyle Eugene Bingham and 29-year-old Frank Harris on suspicion of cultivating marijuana for sale. Bingham had the extra charge of operating an illegal hash oil extraction lab. His bail was set at $50,000.00 dollars.

Bingham and Harris both lived at this multi-unit residence on Felt Street.

Bingham and Harris both lived at this multi-unit residence on Felt Street.

On Wednesday, July 30th, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, along with the County’s Code Enforcement Officer and Fire Inspector, paid a visit to an apartment complex on Felt Street. They were there to investigate complaints of excessive noise and a foul stench coming from a number of units in the complex.

The search warrant revealed over 200 marijuana plants and 10 pounds of processed marijuana buds. They also located two guns and some methamphetamine. One of the units was being used as an extraction lab to make “butane honey oil” which is a highly volatile process that can be dangerous.

Both Bingham and Harris had medical marijuana cards, but the 200 plants far exceeded the 99 plants per parcel for personal use limit allowed by the medical card.

“Santa Cruz County allows 99 plants per parcel for personal use with the medical card.” Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Sergeant Kelly Kent said, adding “The making of Honey oil is extremely dangerous and highly explosive.”

The two were actively engaged in selling the marijuana as their primary source of income.

As for the apartment complex, it has been “red tagged” by the the Santa Cruz County code enforcement officer and the owner was served with a notice of repair.

Two Arrested in Marijuana Growth Investigation was last modified: August 8th, 2014 by admin
Categories: Santa Cruz

About Author

Daniel Miranda

Dan Miranda is a Journalist, Photographer and Sports Writer for the San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Monterey area. He can be reached at dmiranda@unitedreporting.com