The Fresno County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team has concluded a two day marijuana eradication operation in the Squaw Valley area.
In all, more than 4,700 marijuana plants were destroyed, approximately 20 lbs. of processed marijuana was seized and eight guns (including a stolen handgun) were booked as evidence. Two men were also arrested and booked into the Fresno County Jail for felony cultivation. They are Robert Zoellner, 53 and Angel Benitez, 55. Zoellner has posted bond to bail out of jail and Benitez has been released from jail.
On Monday and Tuesday, detectives cleared a total of 20 different locations. These included places with a history of growing marijuana, properties where anonymous citizens reported suspicions of marijuana gardens and spots our helicopter Eagle 1 had observed. During the investigation, half of those locations were found to not have any marijuana growing. Of the 10 locations where marijuana was growing, three required search warrants. Seven of the operations were open field grows.
This proved to be a successful operation thanks to hundreds of investigative hours put in by detectives. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit played a vital role of safely and efficiently helping detectives remove marijuana from dense mountainous terrain.
Fresno County enforces a strict ban on all cannabis cultivation, both indoors and outdoors. Violation of the ordinance could result in several consequences:
1.Growers can be arrested on a felony charge.
2.Growers can face heavy fines starting at $1,000 per plant.
3.Property owners, including family members, can be fined too.
4.Very short timelines to appeal citations and fines.
5.Prop. 215/SB 420 compliance will not stop enforcement.
6.Additional fines, interest, legal fees and costs of abatement can be charged.
7.County can place lien on property for unpaid fines.
The Sheriff’s Office takes all tips seriously and encourages the public to report suspected marijuana grow sites. If you are aware of any type of illegal drug activity, report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or Email:
