LOWER LAKE >> Deputies and Narcotics Task Force detectives recovered more than 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana from a Lower Lake property this week.
Four men associated with the cultivation operation were arrested.
According to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Steve Brooks, the site was first identified during a routine NTF overflight in August. Two separate outdoor grows were pinpointed near the 22000 block of Morgan Valley Road.
On Wednesday NTF detectives conducted a warrant search of the property. The first two suspects they encountered fled, ignoring orders to stop. After a brief pursuit through rugged land nearby, deputies apprehended Juan Alvarez, 29, and Apolinar Contrerars, 33. Both are Lower Lake residents.
NTF detectives found that most of the plants had been harvested. Inside a commercial metal building, however, the located a large amount of processed marijuana, along with 10 prepared 1 pound bags.
In all, law enforcement officers counted over 1,000 pounds of bulk marijuana.
As detectives were completing their initial investigation, another man associated with the operation arrived at the site. Eduardo Carrilo, 46 of Santa Rosa, was also placed under arrest.
Another man, Jorge Padilla, a 61-year-old from Bodega Bay, was detained as deputies entered the property. He did not attempt to flee.
The four face multiple felony charges.
