Eight arrested, thousands of marijuana plants eradicated at suspected illegal cultivation site

Eight arrested, thousands of marijuana plants eradicated at suspected illegal cultivation site

Eight people have been arrested after a multi-agency team served two search warrants for illegal marijuana cultivation at adjoining properties in Covelo.

The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office served the search warrants on the 77200 block of Crawford Road on June 24, assisted by the Mendocino County Major Crimes Task Force, Mendocino County Probation, the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency, the California National Guard Counter-Drug Task Force, and the Round Valley Indian Tribal Police Department.

Eight people were detained as part of the operation. They are identified as Douglas Lincon (63) of Covelo; Jorge Sanchez-Zamora (19) of Michoacan, Mexico; Jose Humberto Barragan-Leon (36) of Modesto; Sergio Faria-Silva (34) also of Michoacan; Anthony David Soto-Farias (18) of Vancouver, Washington; Dagoberto Rumbo-Coria (58) also of Michoacan; Alfonso Castaneda (21) of Galt, California; and Victor Alfonso Garcia-Lopez (31) also of Galt.

Authorities also located over 14,000 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, some in an open field and others in “hoop” style greenhouses. Over 1,700 pounds of drying marijuana and two firearms — a shotgun and an AR-15 style rifle — were also found.

Another three people were detained on the property but reportedly were not involved in any illegal activity. A 17-year-old female juvenile was also found to have been brought to the property the day before to help trim, and was taken into the temporary custody of Child Protective Services until she could be reunited with family. Authorities are also looking into the possibility or sex or labor trafficking.

Another two greenhouses and 765 growing marijuana plants were located at the adjacent property. Ultimately, all plants were eradicated.

Eight arrested, thousands of marijuana plants eradicated at suspected illegal cultivation site was last modified: July 7th, 2020 by admin
Categories: Mendocino

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