The Turlock Police Department seized a large stash of marijuana plants on Wednesday at a commercial building in down that had a value of more than $1 million.

A search warrant was obtained and served shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday at a site in the 2800 block of Lassiter Lane, which is located in a commercial area of the city of Turlock. 

The search warrant yielded just under 1,900 marijuana plants which weighed over 1,100 pounds.  The street value of the seized marijuana is estimated to be more than $1 million, said Turlock Police spokesman Sgt. Michael Parmley.

While serving the search warrant, investigators discovered that the electrical wiring to the structure had been modified to facilitate the use of the large amount of electricity needed to power this large operation.    

“This type of illegal marijuana cultivation operation poses a clear danger to first responders and neighboring businesses,” said Turlock Police Capt. Steven Williams. “The extensive modification of the wiring to the structure could have overloaded the system and started a fire. Additionally, lives were endangered from the possibility of being electrocuted.” 

The investigation is ongoing and investigators are working to identify the individuals responsible. Once identified. They will face charges of marijuana cultivation and sales, Parmley said.

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation to call Investigator Alex Jimenez at (209) 668-6518. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. 
 
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.