TCSO detectives discover ‘massive’ pot grow in Terra Bella
50,000 plants found and destroyed
On Tuesday morning at 8 a.m., detectives with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office TAGNET (Tulare Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team) and TAGNET Majors assisted Resource Management Agency with a code enforcement abatement warrant at a home in the 7100 block of Rd. 236 in Terra Bella.
TCSO Lieutenant Jim Franks said via email that RMA received an anonymous report of marijuana at the residence due to a strong smell emanating from the area. He added that TCSO always assists on such calls because they commonly encounter high capacity weapons at marijuana grows, and their presence helps keep the peace and provide safety.
While assisting RMA, detectives saw illegal marijuana grow gardens within the property.
As detectives continued to assist, four people were found at the home and property and were later taken into custody for Maintaining a Residence for Drug Use and/ or Sales, Cultivation of Marijuana and Possession of Marijuana for sales. They were taken to the Porterville Sheriff’s Substation for booking.
During the operation of eradicating the ille-
gal grow sites, Detectives also found a large amount of trash, as well as several pesticides and herbicides throughout the property. A total of 50,000 marijuana plants and 2 lbs. of processed marijuana were also found, eradicated and destroyed.
Franks stated that this is one of the biggest grow operations TCSO has discovered on the valley floor, but it's more common to find operations of this size in the foothills.
The investigation into illegal marijuana grow sites is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at (559) 733-6218 or they can remain anonymous by calling TIPNOW at (559) 725-4194.