The unincorporated communities of Anza and Aguanga have nearly 14,000 less marijuana plants undergoing photosynthesis Thursday after the plants were chopped down by authorities in an operation that also led to nine arrests, including two juveniles.
Seven search warrants were served throughout the region known for large-scale marijuana cultivation on Wednesday, netting 2050 dry pounds, eight guns and the discovery of a toxic pesticide banned in the United States at one location, according to Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. James Burton.
Sheriff’s deputies teamed with personnel from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Riverside County Code Enforcement for the operation.
The group cut down 14,861 plants in total at all the locations, which, along with the dry pounds, weighed out to about four tons, sheriff’s officials said. Thousands of dollars in U.S. currency was also seized.
Those arrested on suspicion of marijuana cultivation ranged in age from 17 years old to 82.
Jail records did not immediately indicate that any of those arrested had been booked.