CLEARLAKE >> The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit seized a haul of weapons, illegal drugs and marijuana plants during searches of residences last week.
Detectives also arrested 27-year-old Ricardo Pelayo.
In the first of two warrant operations on April 14, detectives discovered five firearms, including an AK-47 assault rifle, approximately one ounce of heroin and an undisclosed amount of pre-packaged cocaine from a residence in the 3000 block of Buckeye St. in Clearlake.
The AK-47 had a high capacity magazine attacked filled with live rounds. Investigators also located bulk ammunition in the home.
Two suspects, including Pelayo, were originally detained during the Friday morning search.
Later in the day, the Narcotics Unit located both an illegal indoor and outdoor marijuana grow on a property in the 16000 block of Rose St. in Lower Lake.
“During the search it was determined the entire residence had been converted into a commercial indoor growing operation,” reported LCSO Lt. Steve Brooks in a prepared statement.
Serving a warrant, authorities cleared approximately 1,400 marijuana plants from the location.
No one was at the property during the operation.
“The Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit will continue its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for asset forfeiture whenever possible,” Brooks said in the statement, reiterating the unit’s message.
Anyone with information that can assist the Narcotics Unit with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 263-3663.
