On Friday, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team removed and destroyed 1,125 marijuana plants of various sizes from two different pieces of property.
Search warrants were served along the 4000 block of S. East Ave. and the 600 block of E. Jefferson Ave. These addresses are about two miles apart and are both located near Easton.
Detectives discovered the grow sites during a surveillance operation. They noticed the suspects moving budded marijuana plants from a hothouse on S. East Ave. to a residence on E. Jefferson Ave. for processing. The Narcotics Enforcement Team has previously found marijuana operations at both of these locations over the course of the last three years.
Detectives arrested three people in this case and booked them into the Fresno County Jail. Bouanhuenh Vanaphenh, 39, faces felony charges of growing marijuana and intent to sell marijuana. Bouaraphan Inthaphanya, 48, also faces felony charges of growing marijuana and intent to sell marijuana. Kou Ekvixaysack, 57, was arrested on outstanding felony warrants.
Fresno County enforces a strict ban on all cannabis cultivation, both indoors and outdoors. Violation of the ordinance could result in several consequences:
1.Growers can be arrested on a felony charge.
2.Growers can face heavy fines starting at $1,000 per plant.
3.Property owners, including family members, can be fined too.
4.Very short timelines to appeal citations and fines.
5.Prop. 215/SB 420 compliance will not stop enforcement.
6.Additional fines, interest, legal fees and costs of abatement can be charged.
7.County can place lien on property for unpaid fines.
If you are aware of illegal drug activity, report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or Email:
