Suspect Arrested In SoCal Marijuana Growing Operation
SAN BERNARDINO (CBSLA.com) — An Adelanto man on Tuesday faced charges related to an alleged marijuana cultivation operation outside Victorville.
Alejandro Guadalupe Amarillas Quintero, 20, was arrested on Monday after a deputy from the Victor Valley Sheriff's Station observed a suspicious subject walking around a Pinon Hills residence at 9996 Ponderosa Road.
The deputy was familiar with the residence and believed it to be vacant. Upon the deputy's arrival to investigate, Quintero walked inside the residence. The deputy was greeted at the front door by Quintero, who was unable to explain his presence at the location.
He was detained after a strong odor of marijuana was detected coming from inside the residence, deputies said.
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators with the Sheriff's Narcotics Division Marijuana Eradication Team found a sophisticated hydroponic marijuana cultivation operation inside the 1,600-square-foot residence. All rooms and the two-car garage were utilized for the cultivation.
Investigators seized a total of 502 marijuana plants, in various stages of growth, along with an advanced hydroponic growing set up to include lighting, fans, air conditioning units and filtration system.
Investigators found an electrical bypass had been installed, allowing for the theft of electricity. Personnel from Southern California Edison responded to assist with the theft investigation. The electrical bypass posed dangerous conditions with the high potential for electrocution and fire. Electricity service to the residence was disconnected by SCE.
Investigators worked late into the evening hours disassembling the cultivation equipment and removing evidence from the scene.
Quintero was arrested and booked at the Adelanto Detention Center.
