CLEARLAKE OAKS, Calif. – Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force and California Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens seized 653 marijuana plants during one of two search warrant services in Clearlake Oaks that occurred this past Tuesday.
No arrests were made in the operation, which occurred the same day as another property in Clearlake Oaks was searched, with nine arrested and large amounts of marijuana seized, according to sheriff's Lt. Steve Brooks.
On Tuesday the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force assisted the California Department of Fish and Wildlife with the service of a search warrant located in the 18000 block of E. Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks, Brooks said. The search warrant was written by California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel.
Brooks said authorities decided before the service of the search warrant that the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force would conduct the marijuana investigation and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife would investigate any environmental violations.
During the search detectives located a large scale outdoor marijuana cultivation operation involving two large green houses and two large outdoor marijuana plots. Brooks said two vehicles were located on scene along with camping gear and an outdoor kitchen.
While searching the area, detectives observed a Hispanic male running away from law enforcement, several ridges away, according to Brooks.
Brooks said 181 marijuana plants were located inside the two green houses, with an additional 472 marijuana plants located within the two outdoor plots. The marijuana grow was located on an undeveloped parcel.
Detectives are still following leads and the Hispanic male who fled on foot was not located, Brooks said.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife assisted with any environmental and water diversion crimes, he added.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be contacted through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.