Full Notification

TYPE OF CRIME: Clandestine Butane Honey Oil (Concentrated Cannabis) Lab

CASE NUMBER: 14-5211

LOCATION: 7600 Blk. Rosanna St.

DATE: 11/14/2014 TIME: 1600 hrs.

VICTIM: State of Calif.

SUSPECT: Vargas, Rene, 31 year old, Gilroy Resident (photo attached)

DETAILS:

On November 11, 2014 at approximately 5:22 pm, Gilroy Fire Department Personnel responded to the area of Fourth and Rosanna Streets to investigate the strong odor of gas. They were able to locate a residence on the 7600 Block of Rosanna Street where the smell appeared to be emitting from. Fearing that the residents were in danger, GFD personnel entered the residence and located evidence that they believed to be consistent with that of a clandestine lab. Investigators with the Gilroy Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team (ACT) arrived and assumed the investigation.

A Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge issued a search warrant for this location which was served by members of the ACT Team. Their investigation revealed that a room in the residence was being used as an active Clandestine Butane Honey Oil (BHO)/ Concentrated Cannabis Extraction Lab. Equipment consistent with this type of illicit activity was located within feet of a child’s play area.

Members of the Santa Clara County Special Enforcement Team, with specialized lab training, and Unified Narcotics Enforcement Task Force Agents responded to the residence to assist with the dismantling and seizure of the lab equipment. Amongst some of the items seized were hundreds of butane gas cans, pressure cooking devices, mechanical pumps and pure alcohol. Concentrated Cannabis/ Honey Oil with a street value of $15,600; along with Marijuana with a street value of $6,000, was seized from inside the residence as well.

The preliminary investigation also determined that this residence was occupied by Vargas, his 59 year old father, wife and 11-month old son.

Rene Vargas was arrested and charged with manufacturing a controlled substance (H&S 11379.6), possession of marijuana/concentrated cannabis for sales (H&S 11359), and Child endangerment (PC 273A(A).

Typically these operations bring a level of danger and expose the surrounding areas to unnecessary risks of fire and a criminal element that we are not willing to tolerate as a community. We encourage our community members to continue to work with us in our efforts to suppress these types of illegal operations.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Gilroy Police Department Anti-Crime Team Detective Bill Richmond at (408) 846-0350. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME).

For any media inquiries please call (408) 846-0347.

*End of Media Release*

BY: Sgt. P. Espinoza DATE: 11/14/2014