Clearlake >> Police confiscated more than 1,200 plants of marijuana on Memorial Day at two separate locations upon serving search warrants.
When officers arrived at the first location on the 3100 block of 12th Street in Clearlake, they reportedly could hear several subjects in the garage, according to Sgt. Martin Snyder of the Clearlake Police Department (CPD).
When officers announced their presence several male subjects allegedly fled from the residence in various directions. Officers had already set up a perimeter around the location and were able to detain Daniel Alcazar-Varelas, 23; Jaime Alvarez, 28; Juan Cervantes-Cuevas, 19; Carlos Soto-Silva, 30; Luis Soto, 51; Pedro Soto, 36; Manuel Vasquez-Alcazar, 45, and a 17-year-old after several short chases. Inside the house, officers found two additional female juveniles and female Maria Tomasa, 45.
The juveniles were released from the scene to a family member. Other subjects located on scene were arrested and face charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, resist obstruct a police officer), conspire to commit a crime and child endangerment.
Approximately 895 marijuana plants were located at the property, Snyder said. There were 728 marijuana plants in an underground bunker, which was converted to an indoor grow. Officers located two separate greenhouses that had approximately 167 marijuana plants. Approximately 37 pounds of processed marijuana located inside the bunker and inside the garage, which was allegedly being used as a processing center.
The second search warrant was executed in the 3400 block of Jackson Street. The property was an open lot with a shed on it, Snyder said. Officers found and arrested Ulysses Esparaza-Soberanis, 19, on charges of cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.
Officers found 339 marijuana plants and 11 pounds of processed marijuana, which was drying in the shed.
If anyone has any information or questions regarding illegal marijuana production in city of Clearlake, contact CPD Officer Leonardo Flores at (707) 994-8251 ext. 542.
