Denair, CA-On July 3rd, 2013 agents from Stanislaus Drug Enforcement, Central Valley HIDTA, CAL-MMET, Federal Drug Enforcement Agency and Department of Homeland Security located a large Marijuana grow in 1200 acres of almond trees in the area of Monte Vista Ave and Hall Rd east of Denair.
Agents eradicated over 15,000 Marijuana plants that had been planted between almond trees in the orchard.
During the investigation Agents located a second marijuana grow in the same orchard.
On July 9th agents eradicated another 23,000 Marijuana plants.
Over all 38,000 Marijuana plants were eradicated during the two day operation. Agents estimate the street value of the seizure was approximately $200,000.
Jesus Meraz Alvarez 56 of Washington, Elian Mendoza Gallardo 31 a transient, Mendoza Jesus Torres 29 a transient, were arrested for Cultivation of Marijuana and an ICE hold was placed on them for being in the country illegally.
The property owners were contacted and were unaware that the suspects had set up camps in the middle of their orchards and were growing the Marijuana.
The incident is still under investigation by agents.
Anyone with suspicious activity or any further information can contact the Stanislaus Drug Enforcement Agency at 209-558-6300
Calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and you may be eligible for a cash reward. Leave your tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.
You can also e-mail tips at http://www.modestopolice.com/CrimeStoppers, or send information to Crime Stoppers by sending a text message to 274637. Type “TIP704” along with your message.
For information about this news release, contact Sgt Keith Rakoncza at [email protected].
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