On Tuesday, July 26th, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and members of the California Army National Guard served search warrants at three different locations in Squaw Valley.
Two of the properties were along the 37000 block of San Creek Road and the other was on the 37000 block of Shadybrook Lane.
A total of 1,353 marijuana plants were seized, along with 18 ½ lbs. of dried marijuana and 19 guns. Detectives arrested three people and booked them into the Fresno County Jail for felony cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell it.
- Arturo Vasquez, 47, of Cutler
- Tobi Main, 56, of Squaw Valley
- Mike Lopez, 45, of Sequoia Valley
There were 205 plants at just one of the homes deputies visited. If a person held a medical recommendation card, they are each allowed to only have six mature plants. To put things into perspective, based upon average use, there was enough marijuana here to last a user 58 years. It’s also important to also that under the Fresno County marijuana cultivation ordinance, it is even illegal for medical users to grow any marijuana. They must obtain it from a legal dispensary located in another city / county.
So far in 2016, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team has eradicated 75 different grow sites, seized 61,000 marijuana plants, 831 lbs. of processed marijuana, 31 guns and arrested 39 people.
Fresno County enforces a strict ban on all cannabis cultivation, both indoors and outdoors. This ban also applies to those holding medical recommendation cards. 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. Prop. 215/SB 420 compliance will not stop enforcement.
5. Additional fines, interest, legal fees and costs of abatement can be charged.
6. 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:
