June 8, 2024 – Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Monday, June 3, 2024, at about 8:30, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant in the 1400 block of West Forty Road in Railroad Flat, resulting in the eradication of an extensive illegal marijuana clone nursery and cultivation operation. This location was primarily used to produce young plants intended for distribution to other cultivation sites.

The effort led by the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) uncovered a sophisticated indoor and outdoor cultivation site containing 34,467 marijuana plants. The estimated street value of the eradicated plants ranges from $6,893,400 to $10,340,100. During the search, deputies also discovered code violations, including unsafe electrical wiring and improper waste disposal, presenting environmental and public health risks.

One suspect, Isarael Villalopez (age 42 of Railroad Flat), was arrested on multiple charges related to the illegal operation, including illegal cultivation of marijuana, maintaining a place for drug use, possession of an assault weapon, and possession of large-capacity magazines. The operation also led to the seizure of a rifle and large-capacity magazines. The case is still under investigation. Several agencies supported the operation, including the National Guard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Fish and Game.

This operation emphasizes the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office's ongoing efforts to combat illegal marijuana cultivation and the associated dangers. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 209-754-6030.

Source & photos: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office