Mountain Ranch, CA…On July 17, 2019, members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 300 block of De Moss Lane, Mountain Ranch. Investigators found an illegal outdoor marijuana growing operation and seized 1,074 marijuana plants. The suspects were not at the location at the time of the warrant; however, evidence seized from the scene is still being examined the investigation is ongoing.

Also on On July 17, 2019 members of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence in the 5000 block of Michel Rd, Mountain Ranch. Investigators located an outdoor marijuana growing operations. Deputies seized 120 marijuana plants and 9.66lbs of processed. Nai Saechao (56 years of age Mountain Ranch) was arrested on scene and booked into the Calaveras County Jail. He is charged with 11358(c) H&S-Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11366 H&S-Maintaining a Drug House and 11359 (Possession of Marijuana For Sale). Bail was set at $30,000.00.

These clandestine growing operations were indicative of illicit commercial operations and not in compliance with any medical or recreational cultivation. It should be noted the Marijuana Enforcement Team serves numerous search warrants monthly. During these search warrants, evidence is collected which is used to further the case and overall investigation.

The mere fact that no persons may not have been contacted or arrested at some of the locations does not imply that the case is complete. For weeks and/or months following a warrant, the investigation into each site continues. In some cases, charges are referred to the District Attorney at a later date pending the results of evidence testing, interviews, or follow up investigations.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information on illegal marijuana cultivation sites or sites manufacturing concentrated cannabis to call the Sheriff’s Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.