Police display marijuana grow in Sunnyside (courtesy photo)
SAN BERNARDINO – A San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team busted an illegal pot growing operation on Tuesday afternoon.
Over 2,000 plants were seized and a suspect was arrested less than two blocks from the main sheriff’s station and less than two miles from San Bernardino Police headquarters.
MET investigators served a search warrant at 8068 Sunnyside Avenue on Tuesday, shortly before 2 p.m. The marijuana grow was originally discovered by deputies from the Central Station that responded to other calls in the area.
Once deputies learned of the marijuana cultivation, they notified the Gangs and Narcotics Division, located a suspect in the rear yard tending to the marijuana plants.
Camilo Farias-Rodrigues, 33, a transient from Central California, was determined to be just a hired hand paid to care for the plants by an unknown individual, according to reports.
Reports did not disclose the individual responsible for the growing plants, nor the owner of the residence.
Farias-Rodrigues, who lived on the property, was taken into custody without incident, said reports.
Investigators seized over 2,300 marijuana plants described in various stages of growth from the Sunnyside residence.
Sheriff’s department sources also said the evidence gathered during the investigation said Farias-Rodrigues was not in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.
County law enforcement were acting on an ordinance prohibiting marijuana dispensaries, mobile marijuana dispensaries, delivery services and outdoor cultivation within the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County.
Farias-Rodrigues, held on $25,000 bail, was booked into the Central Detention Center, located less than a mile from the Sunnyside residence. A court appearance for his arraignment has not yet been scheduled.
Reports stated that the county District Attorney will review the case to decide if criminal charges will be filed against Frias-Rodrigues.
