On Wednesday, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team concluded a marijuana eradication operation in the Squaw Valley area.
A total of 6,606 marijuana plants were discovered to be growing on four different pieces of property.
Mario Carrillo-Matancillas, 43, was arrested at one of the locations and has been and booked into the Fresno County Jail for felony cultivation.
The first location was a 140 acre parcel along the 48000 block of Thunderhill Road. Detectives found a campsite and 3,378 marijuana plants growing on the land. The suspects had also diverted water from a natural spring to the marijuana through a drip line system. The spring is supposed to deliver drinking water for livestock.
On the 38000 block of Squaw Valley Road, Detectives found Mario Carrillo-Matancillas with 731 marijuana plants growing in the backyard of a home. At an unrelated four acre parcel in this same area, detectives discovered 549 marijuana plants in the flowering stage. There was a 12-foot diameter swimming pool partially filled with water, which was used as a reservoir for the plants.
On the 39000 block of Squaw Valley Road, detectives went to a three acre parcel with a mobile home on it. They found 748 marijuana plants growing in an open field and 1,200 starter plants in a greenhouse, which were ready to be planted outdoors.
Two weeks ago, detectives conducted an operation in Squaw Valley and found marijuana at 10 different locations. In all, more than 4,700 marijuana plants were destroyed, approximately 20 lbs. of processed marijuana was seized and eight guns (including a stolen handgun) were booked as evidence. Two men were also arrested.
It’s important to note the amount of water marijuana plants consume, especially as we all work to conserve during California’s drought conditions. One marijuana plant can take up to eight gallons of water per day in order to produce. Plants can grow to full maturity in as little as 90 days, allowing suspects to have three to four harvests each year.
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.
The Sheriff’s Office takes all tips seriously and encourages the public to report suspected marijuana grow sites. If you are aware of any type of illegal drug activity, report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or Email:
