RANCHO CUCAMONGA – A San Bernardino County drug enforcement team raided a business complex last week, uncovering a honey oil marijuana extraction lab.
The lone suspect arrested, Cesar Nava, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga, was set to face a court date this week. His bail was set at $500,000.
The Rancho Cucamonga Sheriff’s Multiple Enforcement Team had been tipped off by a fire district inspector, who noted the possibility of a marijuana cultivation operation that was located in a business complex at 9453 Ninth Street, according to reports.
The fire inspector’s concerns were due to the danger of chemicals used in marijuana cultivation. Nava was suspected of manufacturing a controlled substance and drug possession, according to charges filed.
“If the location is not effectively ventilated,” according to sheriff’s statements, “the butane gas will settle in the location, and any spark or open flame can ignite a large explosion which would endanger the public.” There have been explosions in other similar cases, according to officials.
MET investigators were able to gather enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for the business. Reports were that more than 190 grams of concentrated marijuana butane canisters were discovered, along with extraction tools and over 300 marijuana plants.
The concentrated butane is also referred to as honey oil, according to reports. Nava was booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He was arrested on two charges, including manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.
Nava’s original court date was set for Monday, but it was delayed for another time.
