Sheriff’s Central POP Team Uncovers Large-Scale Illegal Drug Operation
December 7, 2025 – Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Thursday night, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office 
Central POP Team, with the assistance of SED, GSU, SCOUT, North HIP, RCPD CSU, and Folsom SWAT served a search warrant at a residence on Bar Du Lane in South Sacramento County, uncovering a large-scale illegal marijuana “pop-up” sales operation run out of a private home.
The primary suspect, 45-year-old Joseph Marques, who is also the owner of Sacramento Elite Patrol (a private security guard service), is believed to have been operating a “pop-up” marijuana and narcotics enterprise from his residence. Marques was not located during the operation and is believed to be in Mexico. He is currently wanted in connection with this investigation.
During the search, Deputies seized narcotics, firearms, and cash with an estimated street value exceeding $2.5 million, including:
- 300+ pounds of processed marijuana
- 5+ pounds of psilocybin mushrooms
- 36+ kilograms of THC wax
- 5,000+ THC vape pens
- 3 illegal firearms including one stolen pistol
- $17,000+ in cash
Deputies also arrested three adults at the scene for possession of cocaine for sale, fentanyl, felon in possession of ammunition, and an outstanding felony warrant.
The investigation into Marques and the scope of his operation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357), where anonymous tips may be eligible for a cash reward.
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