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Drug Task Force Seizes Largest Indoor Marijuana Grow in Stanislaus County History



Modesto, CA- Narcotic agents from the Stanislaus County Drug Enforcement Agency (SDEA), Central Valley California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), California Multi-Jurisdictional Methamphetamine Enforcement Team (CAL-MMET), and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) took down one of the largest indoor marijuana grows in Stanislaus County. Experts believe this illegal and sophisticated cultivation facility was able to produce an estimated $2,000,000 worth of marijuana every three months.



Acting on tips, narcotic agents were made aware of a possible large scale illegal indoor Marijuana grow in a rural part of West Stanislaus County. Agents were able to follow-up in the investigation and obtained a search warrant for a large barn located at 10815 South Carpenter Road in Modesto, CA.



On February 7th, agents served the search warrant and discovered the largest indoor Marijuana grow in Stanislaus County history. The facility was estimated to be 240 feet long by 40 feet wide and was filled with over 2,000 Marijuana plants at various stages of growth. The basement of the facility was used to process the marijuana once it was harvested. Agents found 53 pounds of finished product, ready to be packaged. The facility had a large commercial generator, which provided power to the sophisticated lighting, irrigation, and heating system.



The facility was able to produce an estimated 500 lbs. of finished product of marijuana every 3-months. The street value of Marijuana is $4,000 a pound. In addition to the Marijuana plants, agent also recovered four rifles and one handgun from the facility.



“This was a very elaborate and productive illegal Marijuana grow that was producing high quality Marijuana”, said Lieutenant Clint Raymer, who is the commander of the regional drug task force. “We are always grateful to have concerned citizens who are willing to help improve the quality of their community by reporting illegal activity.”



There were six suspects found on the property during the service of the search warrant. All six were arrested for possession, cultivation, and sales of Marijuana, conspiracy, and weapons charges.



Arrested were:



1. Andy Wk Chan, a 61 year old San Mateo resident
2. Michael Ru Chau, a 53-year-old San Francisco resident
3. John Zhong Huang, 35-year old, El Cerrito resident
4. Chiu Chuen Lau, a 33-year-old San Leandro resident
5. Tony Chao Fan Luo, a 32-year-old San Francisco resident
6. Yoa Ming Yu. A 38-year-old San Francisco resident