Marijuana Enforcement Team dismantles numerous illegal grow operations in Calaveras County
Above: Grow houses at the Fullen Road site | All photos: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office
The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has announced the seizure of millions of dollars of illegally grown marijuana and other contraband as part of its Marijuana Enforcement Team’s efforts throughout the month of June.
Photo from the Acorn Way grow site
On June 3, authorities served a search warrant on Acorn Way in West Point for alleged illegal marijuana cultivation. By day’s end, the team had confiscated 270 growing plants, 103 pounds of processed marijuana, and 121 pounds of concentrated marijuana oil.
As well, three firearms — including two ghost guns — were seized, and an individual identified as Nicholle Thompson (28) was cited on numerous charges including conspiracy, illegal marijuana cultivation, and possession of unregistered firearms, the Sheriff’s Office said.
On July 10th, the team served another search warrant on Arapaho Way in Burson, where it was believed that a residence and a separate shop structure had been illegally converted to indoor marijuana grow houses.
Deputies reportedly seized over 800 growing marijuana plants and over 20 pounds of processed marijuana. The value of the seized marijuana clocked over $1 million, the Sheriff’s Office said.
On June 17th, the team served a search warrant on Sawyer Road in West Point, where deputies seized nearly 800 pounds of growing marijuana plants worth over $780,000. A man identified as 37-year-old Jarquin Ramirez Brijido was cited at the scene for alleged illegal marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.
That same day, an unrelated search warrant served on Fullerton Road in Murphys resulted in the seizure of over 550 growing marijuana plants worth over $550,000, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Grow house at Riata Way site
On June 24th, investigators served another search warrant on Riata Way in Angels Camp, ultimately seizing over 500 growing marijuana plants and 15 pounds of processed marijuana from a residence that had been converted to an indoor grow operation. Investigators also seized a firearm.
A man identified as 41-year-old Jian Rong Chen was cited on suspicion of conspiracy, illegal marijuana cultivation, and possession of marijuana for sale.
Finally, on June 29th, the Sheriff’s Office served two separate search warrants in San Andreas — one on Leonard Road and another Del Sol Lane.
At the Leonard Road site, deputies seized 72 growing marijuana plants and over 50 pounds of processed marijuana, as well as a firearm. Investigators also discovered that the grow operation was being irrigated by water diverted from West Murray Creek, prompting an additional investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that is currently ongoing.
At the Del Sol Lane site, the interior of a large shop had been converted to an indoor grow operation. Investigators seized over 1,000 growing marijuana plants worth over $1.5 million.
The full gallery of 20+ photos are included in the official Sheriff’s Office press release. Select photos included below.
