On Friday, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team removed and destroyed nearly 2,000 marijuana plants at a ranch located in Three Rocks.
The property sits on the northwest corner of S. Derrick Ave. and W. Clarkson Ave. in western Fresno County.
Detectives discovered 10 separate grow houses with approximately 1,500 pot plants in total. These plants were about four to six weeks away from being ready for harvest. There were also two drying sheds where about 500 harvested plants were found hanging. This operation could potentially yield 1,000 pounds of marijuana. Locally, that amounts to a street value of $950,000. However, out of state, this much marijuana would be valued at $4.5 million.
Detectives did not find anyone on the property when they arrived. They did notice that the plants had just recently been watered. It appears the suspects were hauling water in from different locations using large plastic storage containers. The property was designed to look like a farm, in fact, there are many cages which house roosters. The suspects used pieces of sheet metal to extend the height of the fence line in order to conceal their marijuana growing operation.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and DEA responded to this same piece of property in the summer of 2012 to eradicate a marijuana growing operation. In this case, the property could face a fine of up to $2 million for allowing this illegal operation to take place on the land.
Watch video of the property: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz6al04Nb6k&feature=youtu.be
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.
If you are aware of illegal drug activity, report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or Email:
