The largest marijuana bust in Stanislaus County was made Monday when local, state, and federal agents raided a grow operation in Crows Landing.
The grow site was operating out of a barn at 10815 S. Carpenter Rd. and was producing approximately $2 million worth of marijuana every three months, according to local law enforcement.
Authorities took six people into custody during the raid, according to the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency.
Narcotics agents were made aware of the large-scale grow operation through tips.
Inside the barn, law enforcement found more than 2,000 plants in various stages of growth. The basement was being used to process the marijuana once it was harvested. Agents found 53 pounds of marijuana ready to be packaged and said the facility could produce an estimated 500 pounds of marijuana every three months. According to the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency, the street value of marijuana is $4,000 a pound.
In addition to the marijuana plants, agent also recovered four rifles and one handgun from the facility.The facility had a large commercial generator, which provided power to the sophisticated lighting, irrigation, and heating system.
“This was a very elaborate and productive illegal marijuana grow that was producing high quality marijuana,” said Lt. Clint Raymer, who is the commander of the regional drug task force. “We are always grateful to have concerned citizens who are willing to help improve the quality of their community by reporting illegal activity.” Arrested were: Andy Wk Chan, 61, of San Mateo; Michael Ru Chau, 53, of San Francisco; John Zhong Huang, 35, of, El Cerrito; Chiu Chuen Lau, 33, of San Leandro; Tony Chao Fan Luo, 32, of San Francisco; and Yoa Ming Yu, 38, of San Francisco.All six were arrested for possession, cultivation, and sales of marijuana, conspiracy, and weapons charges.The agencies involved in the raid were: Stanislaus County Drug Enforcement Agency, Central Valley California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team, and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
