Eleven people were arrested and more than 10,000 marijuana plants were seized in a recent countywide illegal marijuana grow raid which was focused primarily in Landers. From August 30 to September 2, Sheriff’s Deputies aided by investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) carried out Operation Hammer Strike, targeting illegal marijuana grow operations in Landers, Hesperia, Pinon Hills, and Phelan. Over the course of the operation, agents served search warrants on thirteen properties (nine of which were in Landers); arrested eleven suspects; eradicated 39 greenhouses; shut down one illegal electrical bypass; and seized 10,105 illegal marijuana plants, 1,334.8 pounds of processed marijuana, three guns, and more than $30,000 in cash.
The operation came as a result of numerous reported to the Marijuana Enforcement Team of large outdoor marijuana cultivations in these areas. The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California’s cannabis laws and San Bernardino County’s ordinance regarding cannabis cultivation and distribution.
Deputies served search warrants at the following properties:
#1 – 17500 Block of Danbury, Hesperia
#2 – Parcel with no address, Landers
#3 – 3600 Block of Acoma Trail, Landers
#4 – 56100 Block of Valley View, Landers
#5 – Parcel with no address, Landers
#6 – Parcel with no address, Landers
#7 – Parcel with no address, Landers
#8 – 2700 Block of Dusty Mile Road, Landers
#9 – 2300 Block of Yellowknife Road, Landers
#10 – Parcel with no address, Landers
#11 – 1500 Block of Sierra Road, Pinon Hills
#12 – 5800 Block of Coyote Road, Phelan
#13 – 12200 Block of Mountain Road, Pinon Hills
Suspects were arrested for investigation of illegal marijuana cultivation:
Victor Khamphilavanh, 52-year-old male resident of Landers, CA, Location #2
Saykhone Phonepriasitm, 44-year-old male resident of Milwaukee, WI, Location #5
Howard Edwards, 55-year-old male resident of Calumet Park, IL, Location #5
Kikoi Sikhathakhosa, 42-year-old male resident of Landers, CA, Location #5
Lymontry Phonesavanh, 37-year-old male resident of Milwaukee, WI, Location #5
Scott Heyden, 62-year-old male resident of Castellanos, CA, Location #5
Gabriel Jimenez, 51-year-old male resident of Pinon Hills, CA, Location #11
Luz Galvan, 43-year-old female resident of Pinon Hills, CA, Location #11
Somphas Sin, 52-year-old male resident of Phelan, CA, Location #12
Rogelio Cantu, 27-year-old male resident of Pinon Hills, CA, Location #13
Rosalinda Sanchez, 55-year-old female resident of Pinon Hills, CA, Location #13
