San Andreas, CA….On June 3rd, 2022, Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation in the 300 block of Acorn Way in West Point. Deputies seized 270 growing marijuana plants, 103 pounds of processed marijuana, and 121 ounces of concentrated marijuana Hash Oil. The combined estimated value of all the marijuana and marijuana products seized exceeds $237,700. Three firearms were seized at the site, including two unregistered “ghost” guns. One suspect was issued a citation at the scene.

Nicholle Thomas, age 28 of West Point, was issued a citation on charges of 11358 H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana For Sale, 182(a)(1) PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime, 30515(4)(A) PC Possession of Illegal Assault Weapon Parts and 29182(2)(A) PC Possession of Un-Serialized/Un-registered Firearms. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing.

On June 10th, 2022, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation in the 11400 block of Arapaho Way in Burson.

The interior of the residence and a separate shop structure had been converted to facilitate indoor marijuana cultivation. Deputies seized 805 growing marijuana plants and over 20 pounds of processed marijuana. The estimated value of the seized marijuana exceeds $1,046,000. Deputies noted several hazards at the site, including severe mold and electrical hazards. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing.

On June 17th, 2022, a search warrant was served in the 100 block of Sawyer Road in West Point. Deputies seized 782 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $782,000. Jarquin Ramirez Brijido, age 37 of West Point, was issued a citation on charges of 11358 H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation and 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana For

Sale. Evidence was seized and the investigation is ongoing.
Additionally, on June 17th, 2022, an unrelated search warrant was served in the 6000 block of Fullen Road in Murphys. Deputies seized 558 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $558,000. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing.

On June 24th, 2022, a search warrant was served in the 6000 block of Riata Way in Angels Camp. The interior of the residence had been converted to facilitate indoor marijuana cultivation. Deputies seized 522 growing marijuana plants and 15 pounds of processed marijuana. The estimated value of seized marijuana exceeds $691,000. Additionally, a firearm was seized. Jian Rong Chen, age 41 of Angels Camp, was issued a citation on charges of 11358 H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana For Sale, and 182 PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing.

On June 29th, 2022 a search warrant was served in the 2000 block of Leonard Road in San Andreas. Deputies seized 72 growing marijuana plants and over 58 pounds of processed marijuana with a combined estimated value exceeding $91,000. Additionally, one firearm was seized. It was discovered that the cultivation site was being fed by water diverted from West Murray Creek. A collaborative environmental investigation concerning this site is being conducted by the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing.

Additionally, on June 29th, 2022, an unrelated search warrant was served in the 5000 block of Del Sol Lane in San Andreas. The interior of a large shop structure had been converted to facilitate indoor marijuana cultivation. Deputies seized 1,183 growing marijuana plants with an estimated value exceeding $1,537,000. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing.

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.