Two men are facing drug and illegal pesticide charges from a marijuana growing operation discovered in a Turlock neighborhood.

On Monday morning Turlock Police detectives and the Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant at a home in the 1200 block of Lander Avenue after developing information about a grow house.

At the home investigators found 1,609 marijuana plants in four separate rooms, according to the police department.

The search also turned up multiple bottles of Carbofuran, a dangerous pesticide that’s illegal in North America.

“This chemical is extremely toxic to the environment that could kill an array of species, including animals and humans,” the police department said.

Investigators arrested and booked Ramon Valencia Barron, a 30-year-old Stockton resident, and Jose Torres-Meza, a 26-year-old Modesto resident, for cultivating marijuana and possession of banned pesticides charges.

People can report marijuana grow operations to the police department’s Drug Hotline at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6117. Callers may also submit a tip at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. Callers may remain anonymous.