Marijuana plants seized at empty home

EL DORADO HILLS — A trail of potting soil and marijuana leaves lead authorities to the site of a sophisticated marijuana growing operation hiding in a quiet residential neighborhood Saturday morning.

Deputies with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department spotted the evidentiary scraps on the driveway leading to the kicked-in door of a home on the 300 block of Arches Avenue in upscale El Dorado Hills.

Marijuana Found Inside Home

Inside the residence, deputies observed the illicit drug manufacturing setup and called detectives. Detectives located approximately 260 marijuana plants and a sophisticated indoor operation, which included grow lights and room ventilation.

The 260 marijuana plants seized had an estimated street value of $250,000, according to a sheriff’s department release. Those responsible for the marijuana cultivating are believed to have illegally bypassed the residence’s power meter, avoiding an estimated $6,000 a month in utility charges.

There were no residents on scene and no arrests have been made. An investigation is currently underway to identify the individuals responsible.