10 people were arrested, and 11 illegal marijuana grow operations countywide were shut down during the sixteenth week of illegal marijuana grow raids. According to Sheriff’s reports, deputies and investigators from the San Bernardino County Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served 11 search warrants at properties in Lucerne Valley, Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, Spring Valley Lake, and El Monte from December 13 through December 19 as part of Operation Hammer Strike, week sixteen. During this time, investigators arrested 10 suspects and eradicated 78 greenhouses. Deputies seized 5,270 marijuana plants, 3,225 pounds of processed marijuana, six guns, and over $23,000 in cash. Investigators also eradicated four indoor grow locations.
The raids came as a result of numerous complaints received regarding large outdoor marijuana cultivations in the areas. The suspects were cited or booked on charges of illegal cultivation of cannabis, over six plants, possession for sales of marijuana, illegal water discharge, and conspiracy. A complete list of suspects and raided properties is available below.
LOCATIONS:
#1 – Parcel with no address, Lucerne Valley
#2 – Parcel with no address, Lucerne Valley
#3 – Parcel with no address, Lucerne Valley
#4 – 19700 Block of Seneca, Apple Valley
#5 – 12400 Block of Camino Canada, Victorville
#6 – 16200 Block of Lime Street, Hesperia
#7 – 17900 Block of Lakeview Drive, Spring Valley Lake
#8 – Parcel with no address, El Mirage
#9 – Parcel with no address, El Mirage
#10 – 3000 Block of Markham Street, El Mirage
#11 – 11900 Block of Lower Azusa Road, El Monte
SUSPECTS:
Jose Rosas, 22 year old male resident of Mexico. Location #1
Juan Ruiz, 46 year old male resident of Mexico. Location #1
Alfonsa Terraria, 37 year old male resident of Mexico. Location #1
Francisco Ramirez, 37 year old male resident of Lucerne Valley, CA. Location #2
Armando Garcia, 25 year old male resident of Victorville, CA. Location #4
Howard Plasencia, 33 year old male resident of Victorville, CA. Location #5
Francisco Hernandez, 27 year old male resident of San Bernardino, CA. Location #8
Joel Mendoza, 28 year old male resident of Mexico. Location #8
Paul Lao, 62 year old male resident of El Monte, CA. Location #11
Chengu Shen, 54 year old female resident of El Monte, CA. Location #11
