West Point, CA…Contact Rick DiBasilio, Sheriff On 10-25-16 the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on 3 addresses near West Point California for illegal cultivation of marijuana. A total of 7700 pounds (over 3 tons) of marijuana and other substances were seized and destroyed or taken as evidence.

Investigators located approximately 1000-1500 pounds of marijuana that was processed, dried and ready for use, transportation or sales. Several hundred pounds were discovered packaged to be shipped or transported elsewhere. A total of 1048 plants were eradicated. Just under $13,000 in cash was seized as evidence. Several hundred already harvested plants were discovered that were discarded and thrown down and embankment. There were several structures that were built to store and process marijuana. Inside of those locations were additional large amounts of marijuana in various stages of being processed. In addition to the marijuana several significant environmental issues were discovered. Large amounts of garbage piled in the area. Human waste being disposed of into drainage that runs toward the Mokelumne River drainage. Piles of chemical and fertilizer containers that had been used were thrown about the property. Large water containers used to water the marijuana containing unknown substances were also located throughout the properties. 12 people were located in a small residence off of Argonaut Lane and another 11 at a separate address nearby. Deputies had to call in the assistance of the County Road Department in order to eradicate and dispose of large amounts of marijuana plants and processed marijuana. All 23 people were arrested in connection to the illegal marijuana grows. Two firearms were seized at one location. Most of the charges in this case are for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and conspiracy to cultivate transport and sell marijuana. Other agencies that assisted in the service of the search warrant include the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, California Department of Corrections, Cal Fire Law Enforcement, Calaveras County Code Enforcement. This case is still under investigation.