LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The service of two search warrants by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit last week resulted in the seizure of heroin, cocaine, firearms and 1,400 marijuana plants, and one arrest.
Arrested in the case was 27-year-old Ricardo Gregorio Pelayo, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
On the morning of Friday, April 14, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant in the 3000 block of Buckeye Street in Clearlake, Brooks said.
Brooks said two subjects were detained at the premises, which led to the arrest of Pelayo.
During a search of the property, detectives located five firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle with a high capacity ammunition magazine filled with live rounds, Brooks said.
Additionally, Brooks said detectives seized approximately one ounce of heroin, prepackaged cocaine, and bulk ammunition.
Later, on the afternoon of April 14, the Narcotics Unit served another search warrant in the 16000 block of Rose Street in Lower Lake, Brooks said. No one was located at the premises.
During the search it was determined the entire residence had been converted into a commercial indoor marijuana growing operation, Brooks said.
An outdoor grow site containing more marijuana plants was located near the residence. In total, 1,400 marijuana plants were seized during the investigation, according to Brooks.
Pelayo was booked on felony charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, committing a felony while armed with a firearm, participating in a criminal street gang, possession or purchase for sale of narcotics and possession of a controlled substance while armed, according to his booking sheet.
His bail was set at $50,000. Jail records showed that he has since posted the required percentage of bail and been released.
Brooks said the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit will continue its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for asset forfeiture whenever possible.
Anyone with information that can assist the Narcotics Unit with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.