Clearlake >> Early Tuesday morning Clearlake police officers served two separate search warrants related to the cultivation of marijuana. As a result, 359 marijuana plants, 21 pounds of processed marijuana, along with two firearms were seized. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the crimes.
Clearlake Police Deparmtment (CPD) officers served a search warrant in the 14000 block of Woodland Avenue. At that location, officers contacted a suspect who was identified as Jose Ceja Lupian, 58. The Clearlake resident reportedly had two firearms which he is prohibited from possessing due to a prior felony marijuana cultivation conviction, CPD Lt. Tim Celli said in a press statement.
During the search, officers reportedly found 135 pot plants at the residence in various stages of growth. They also discovered that the garage had been apparently been converted into an indoor marijuana growing facility which contained some growing marijuana plants; however, it was obvious that the conversion was new and not at full operation, Celli said.
Lupian was arrested and booked at the Lake County jail where he faces charges of cultivation, armed in the commission of a felony and felon in possession of a firearm.
CPD officers served a second search warrant in the 3500 block of Sonoma Way. As a result of that search warrant service, 224 marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized. Also located at the residence was 21 pounds of processed marijuana packaged for sale, Celli reported.
Three suspects at that location were arrested and face charges of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale. Clearlake resident Jose Olmedo, 45, was booked into Lake County jail for cultivation, Justin Raab, 19, was arrested and booked cultivation and possession of methamphetamine and John Ambroselli, 24, was arrested and booked cultivation, and possession of marijuana for sale.
The CPD has no interest in legal medicinal marijuana grows that are in compliance with the city ordinance, Celli said.
Information on the medical marijuana permit process can be located at the city of Clearlake website at www.clearlake.ca.us or at city hall. Additionally, marijuana ordinance information has been disbursed to local businesses that deal with medicinal marijuana, such as the dispensaries and business involved in hydroponics.
