Copperopolis, CA…On 05-26-2016 members of the Calaveras Narcotics Enforcement Unit eradicated 10,800 marijuana plant seedlings from a rural private property on Rock Creek Road in Copperopolis. Sheriff’s Investigators received a tip that a clandestine water line was found running into a pond on the property. The unknown suspects had attempted to conceal this water line by burying it and covering the line with dirt, rocks, and grass. Suspecting possible illegal marijuana cultivation, investigators checked the property this morning at the request of the owner. The investigators located a campsite hidden in the brush, along with groceries that had been recently brought into the campsite. The water line led from the pond to a series of seed beds containing marijuana seedlings.

It was apparent that an area of the property was being prepped for illegal cultivation of marijuana. No suspects were located and the investigation is ongoing. Unfortunately, the property owner, a local cattle rancher, now has to deal with the trash left behind by the illegal growers, as well as the holes and other ground disturbance on his property.