Full Notification

Public Information Release
May 17, 2013
Lieutenant Steve Brooks, Public Information Officer


A large scale marijuana grow in the Middletown area was located during an overflight mission conducted by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force.

On May 1, 2013 members of the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force were conducting routine overflight missions in the Middletown area. The purpose of the overflights is to seek out probable illicit marijuana growing operations. Detectives observed the grow site in an area commonly known as Black Oak, which is located in a remote area off of Butts Canyon Road near the Lake and Napa county line.

On May 10, 2013 detectives walked into the site and discovered 46,284 marijuana plants. The detectives said it appeared to be an illicit marijuana growing operation, funded by a Hispanic drug trafficking organization. As the Detectives were conducting their investigation they noticed two Hispanic males fleeing the area on foot. After a brief search of the area, they were unable to locate the suspects. During the investigation, detectives located and seized a cellular telephone as evidence. A forensic examination of the telephone will be conducted in an attempt to identify the suspects. The marijuana was later eradicated and destroyed.

The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force will continue its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for the asset forfeiture whenever possible. Anyone with information that can assist the Task Force with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 263-3663