San Andreas, CA… On April 22nd, 2021, the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served two unrelated search warrants for illegal marijuana cultivation in Calaveras County.

The first search warrant was served in the 1000 block of Quartz Mountain Road in West Point. Deputies seized 612 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $259,000. In addition, over 5 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was located. One suspect was apprehended at the scene and an additional suspect was observed fleeing the property on foot. Efforts to apprehend the second suspect were unsuccessful. Deputies discovered an improvised wooden generator shelter and an improvised muffler had been attached to the generator. Deputies observed that the muffler had burn marks and that the generator was on top of, and surrounded by flammable yard waste such as dry leaves and sticks. Evidence was collected at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Phuc Thine Duong, age 63 of Sacramento, was placed under arrest on charges of 11358 H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana for Sale, 11377 (A) H&S Possession of a Controlled Substance, 11364 (a) H&S Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and 182 (A)(1) PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime.

The second search warrant served on April 22nd, 2021, was located in the 13000 block of South Camanche Parkway in Burson. Deputies seized 1,703 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $1,192,000. Two suspects were arrested at the scene. Evidence was collected at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

Thai Phong Dao, age 34 of Elk Grove, and Quoc Vinh Lao, age 46 of Elk Grove, were placed under arrest on charges of 11358 H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana for Sale, And 11366 H&S Maintaining a Premises for Sales of a Controlled Substance, and 182 (A)(1) PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime.

The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with knowledge of illegal marijuana operations to call the Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.