Deputies Seize $330K Worth Of Pot From Illegal Operation Near Palmdale

LITTLEROCK (CBSLA.com) — Palmdale Sheriff's deputies discovered a marijuana cultivation operation in a Los Angeles County home Tuesday night.

Deputies on patrol in the area of 8000 block of East Avenue T smelled a strong odor coming from the house.

Littlerock resident Jose Gamez, 20, approached the deputies giving them permission to search the home where they found a loaded firearm and 330 mature marijuana plants in a back bedroom.

The operation consisted of an intricate watering, ventilation and artificial lighting system, authorities said.

Narcotics detectives seized approximately $330,000 worth of marijuana.

Gamez, who was transported to the Palmdale Sheriff's Department, was booked on charges of cultivation of marijuana, receiving stolen property and theft of public utilities.

He is being held on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.