Nearly Two And-a-Half Tons of Unregulated Illegal Marijuana Grows Seized – Five Arrested
ANZA & AGUANGA – An unregulated/illegal-marijuana cultivation bust occurred on January 13, 2021, when personnel from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Code Enforcement, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Food and Agriculture served five marijuana cultivation-related search warrants in the rural unincorporated county areas of Anza and Aguanga.
The 6:00 AM Marijuana Cultivation Eradication service brought in “approximately 6795 plants to be eradicated, and 2244 pounds of processed marijuana was collected, for a total combined weight of approximately two and a half tons,” said Sergeant James Burton. In addition, “two firearms, (one assault rifle and one handgun), were collected for evidence.”
The following suspects were arrested for Marijuana Cultivation:
2 Anza residents: Edgar Mares (34), and Marlyn Liddle (37);
4 Aguanga residents: Pasith Khamphanh (56), Samlith Linhthasack (46), Bounma McKenyon (53), and
Vang Phommachanh (70).
Charges will be filed with the District Attorney’s Office.
Mission Statement: The goal of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is to keep all of our citizens safe while also improving the quality of life for those residing within the community. Marijuana cultivation negatively impacts the environment in many ways including diminishing and poisoning the water table and pesticides adversely affecting the health of neighboring residents. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has a zero-tolerance policy for these offenses.
If you suspect drug activity in your area, you are urged to contact your local Sheriff’s Station. Call Hemet Sheriff’s Station (951) 791-3400 or the San Jacinto Sheriff’s Station (951) 766-2400. Criminal activity can also be called-in to We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005 or via wetip.com.
