The authorities allegedly found over 1,300 marijuana plants while investigating an unrelated incident, and they have purported that it is a part of an illegal growing operation being run by a felon.
36-year-old Javier Perez Diaz is a felon who hails from the unincorporated community of Mecca, California, in Riverside County.
Around 7:00 am on December 21, three special teams of deputies with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department were investigating an agricultural theft in the area.
While they were at the site looking around the property, the authorities allegedly stumbled upon a structure that appeared as if it was meant to be used as a greenhouse.
Riverside County has not approved any legal commercial marijuana undertakings in its unincorporated cities. The police surmised that they had found the site of an illegal commercial marijuana grow.
The police filed for a warrant to allow them to return to the premises so they could learn what was inside of the greenhouse structure.
When they were reportedly granted permission to enter and inspect the area, the police said they found 1,321 marijuana plants weighing approximately 2,100 pounds. The plants were reportedly in the flowering stage and were almost ready for harvesting.
Upon further investigation, the police allegedly found an AK-47, a 9mm handgun, ammunition, and magazines on the property. They purported that the weapons belong to Diaz.
According to a press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the plants were “eradicated.”
Diaz was placed under arrest and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center. He is expected to face charges for illegal marijuana cultivation, possession of an assault weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition.
Two days after his incarceration, Diaz was released from custody on $10,000 bail.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.