Los Banos Police served a series of four search warrants related to indoor marijuana growing operations in the City of Los Banos. The two day operation took place on November 12, 2014 and November 13, 2014.
Police discovered four sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operations; one at a residence in the 500 block of Stonewood Drive, another in the 600 block of Cabernet Street and two others in the 600 block of Willow Way, and 700 block of Mallard Drive.
The lead investigator in this case, Marcelino Cortez and his team seized 1115 marijuana plants, 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, $6,140.00 in cash and nearly 3 pounds of processed marijuana.
34-year-old Phuc Vu was arrested in connection with the search warrant in the 600 block of Willow Way. Vu’s charges include utility theft, illegal cultivation of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Vu is out of custody on bail.
No suspects were found at the other locations and the investigation is ongoing.
“This year alone we’ve served more than 15 search warrants, seizing over 2250 marijuana plants and 26 pounds of packaged marijuana with an estimated street value of over 3 million dollars. Our work is devastating to those involved in the distributing and sales of marijuana. We plan on continuing these operations as our investigation continues.”
- Marcelino Cortez, Police Officer
Anyone with information regarding these growing operations or other crimes is encouraged to contact the Los Banos Police Department (209)827-7070, extension “0” or Merced Area Crime Stoppers at 1-855-725-2420.
