CLEARLAKE>> The Clearlake Police Department has kept busy as they have located multiple, possible illegal marijuana growing operations, each with over 400 plants seized earlier this week.
On Monday, authorities discovered the first illegal operations at the 14000 block of Woodland Drive and the 3800 block of Mullen Avenue. Detective Ryan Peterson explained that 550 growing cannabis plants were confiscated for destruction at the Woodland address. Evidence of the sales of marijuana along with a concentrated cannabis operation commonly referred to as a honey oil lab, and concentrated cannabis was also seized.
Stephen Steppe, 54, and Gregorio Soto-Mora, 26, were contacted at the residence and placed under arrest for various charges including violations of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, and manufacturing a control substance.
During the execution of the search warrant at the Mullen Avenue address, 86 growing marijuana plants were found. Evidence of the illegal cultivation of marijuana for sale was located along with information of the involved subjects, Peterson explained. The second incident occurred Tuesday. According to CPD detective Leonardo Flores, a total of 464 growing marijuana plants, indicia, chemicals and materials associated with the illegal cultivation and sale were found during an executed search warrant at the 2800 block of 7th Street.
Miguel Saucedo Hurtado, 30, fled the property upon entry but was later apprehended and taken into custody.
Anyone with information on these investigations is encouraged to contact Flores at 707-994-8251 ext. 315.
The Clearlake Police Department reminds the public it is continuing to take a proactive approach to enforcement of all state laws and local ordinances associated with the cultivation and sales of marijuana and marijuana related products.
“The illegal growing of marijuana in the City of Clearlake will not be tolerated,” Peterson said.
Suspects who choose to involve themselves in the illegal activity subject themselves to arrest, prosecution and civil liability for environmental crimes. We encourage the citizens of the City of Clearlake to contact the Clearlake Police Department or Code Enforcement if they observe any illegal activity in their neighborhood.
