January 22, 2016 - The Merced Police Department reports on Friday, January 15, 2016 the Merced Area Gang/Narcotic Enforcement Team along with investigators from Los Banos Police Department continued their investigation into the illegal marijuana growing operations that were searched on Thursday.
MAGNET Agents and Detectives from Los Banos searched a storage locker in the City of Los Banos and located items used in the growing process, two AR-15 Assault Rifles and ammo for the weapons.
On Tuesday, January 19, 2016 MAGNET Agents along with Detectives from the Los Banos Police Department served follow-up search warrants at two separate locations in the City of Los Banos also associated to Thursday’s operation. At the first location Agents discovered a large marijuana growing operation. At the first location located in the 700 block of Manchester Ave., agents discovered nearly 445 mature plants along with an illegal electrical bypass. The plants filled all but two rooms of the small 1300 square foot residence. No suspects were at this location but investigators found evidence of people living there.
The second location was in the 500 block of Driftwood Drive. At this location agents discovered that the entire upstairs of the two story residence was being utilized to grow marijuana. A total of 777 plants were eradicated. Also seized and dismantled was an illegal electrical bypass and other items associated to the growing operation. No suspects were arrested at this location but evidence was located associating this residence with the four that were searched on Thursday.
The investigation is on-going and is expected to yield more results.
I want to encourage the public to contact the Task Force or the Los Banos Police Department if they suspect one of these grow operations is in their neighborhood. These illegal grows present a real danger to the public and to the citizens that live in these neighborhoods.
Agent Marcelino Cortez is still following up on leads and other suspects.
If you have any information regarding this case please call the MAGNET tip line at (800) 470-8477 Or contact the Los Banos Police Department. You can remain anonymous.
Source: Merced Police Department