Calaveras County Authorities Dismantle Illegal Cannabis Cultivation Operation, Three Arrested
Photos courtesy of the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office
Three individuals were recently arrested in connection with an illegal cannabis cultivation operation in Calaveras County.
According to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office, authorities eradicated the illegal cannabis cultivation site in Copperopolis on Sept. 12 following a coordinated operation involving the Sheriff’s Office and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The search warrant was carried out at around 8 a.m. on the 4000 block of Chuckwagon Road and targeted several large hoop houses containing 1,044 marijuana plants. According to officials, the estimated street value of the plants ranged between $291,000 and $447,600.
During the operation, deputies reportedly also found Methamidophos, a banned and highly toxic chemical.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists were present to assess potential environmental violations and to ensure the substance was safely removed and stored for proper disposal.
Three individuals, identified as Amy Macias, Stephen Macias, and Islas Beatriz, were taken into custody and booked into the County Jail. They face multiple charges related to the illegal cultivation activity, officials confirmed.
