Pot Operation Uncovered In Lathrop

LATHROP (CBS13) -- When San Joaquin County deputies investigated a burglary at a Lathrop business park on Monday, they found 800 marijuana plants valued at $600,000.

Burglars broke in at about 5:30 a.m. and got away with a small amount of marijuana before San Joaquin County Sheriff's deputies arrived.

It turns out the names on the business park lease are fake. Neighboring businesses were told the space was used for a computer business. No one has stepped up to claim the marijuana or offer paperwork that it was being grown for medical purposes.

"Those are indicators people aren't being truthful," Deputy Les Garcia said.

Garcia said the operation was very advanced, with water irrigation and a light system. It's also possible electricity to run the operation was being stolen.

"It's shocking," said Patrick Couglins, who works nearby.

Rather than haul the marijuana out, deputies were asking the federal Drug Enforcement Agency to help with investigation.