Narcotics detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have served a search warrant at home on the 34000 block of Bronco Lane in Squaw Valley.
Inside numerous buildings on the property they discovered 2,300 marijuana plants, which were part of a sophisticated, illegal grow operation. The street value of the plants is estimated to be $2.3 million.
Detectives also recovered a handgun, 10 lbs. of processed marijuana, a large amount of cash and Carbofuran. Carbofuran is a highly toxic and potentially fatal insecticide that is banned from use in the U.S. It is known for severely damaging the environment and killing wildlife.
Detectives arrested 78 year old Charles Cooper, the owner of the house. He was issued a citation on charges of marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana for sales. Detectives removed the plants from the buildings and destroyed them.
If you have a tip about illegal drug activity, give it to Crime Stoppers by calling (559) 498-7867 or visiting www.valleycrimestoppers.org You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
