Marijuana Growing Operation In Canyon Country Strip Mall Busted
CANYON COUNTRY (CBSLA.com) — A marijuana growing operation in Canyon Country is out of business after being busted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Marijuana Dispensary Task Force Wednesday.
Deputies arrested one person and seized more than $6 million worth of growing and cured marijuana as well as edible marijuana-infused products such as cookies.
The task force served a search warrant at about 8 a.m. after someone reported possible illegal narcotics activity at a small strip mall in the 27000 block of Sierra Highway, according to the sheriff's department.
Deputy Juanita Navarro-Suarez said investigators found "an elaborate indoor marijuana grow system" in several of the strip mall units.
"An undetermined amount of U.S. currency and 2,484 marijuana plants at various stages of growth were seized," Navarro-Suarez said. "An additional 200 pounds of finished product (dried marijuana buds) and 50 pounds of edible THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) infused products, such as cookies, were seized."
SEE THE GALLERY OF THE POT BUST
Deputies also found carbon filters and elaborate air conditioning systems designed to grow marijuana and prevent odors from being detected, the deputy said.
The estimated street value of the growing plants is $6.21 million and the dried marijuana and other products were valued at $500,000, Navarro-Suarez said.
Three men were detained at the scene, but two were released.
Only 28-year-old old George Tunis of Los Angeles was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sales, Navarro-Suarez said.
Tunis was booked at Santa Clarita Valley Station and released after posting a $30,000 bail, according to the sheriff's department.
Tunis is due in court in San Fernando on Friday, according to sheriff's online inmate records.
