The service of a search warrant conducted by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit has resulted in three arrests
Public Information Release
By: Lieutenant Corey Paulich
On Thursday May 26th, Lake County Sheriff's Office narcotics detectives executed a search warrant in the 2300 block of Ogulin Canyon Road in Clearlake at a site known as La Rosa Plaza. Detectives initiated the warrant service in the plaza at a residence with fortified doors and windows. A male subject armed with a loaded shotgun was located inside the residence guarding approximately 200 pounds of processed marijuana being prepared for distribution. The interior of the residence had been converted into a cultivation and processing site.
Detectives then secured a large two story commercial building within the plaza, where they discovered a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation commonly referred to as an “ebb and flow hydroponics system.” Detectives determined marijuana plants were growing in various stages of maturity throughout the building to generate continuous productivity. Detectives seized approximately 112 pounds of processed marijuana from the commercial building.
The investigation led detectives to find two more marijuana grow sites on the unimproved vacant lands of the plaza. Detectives contacted a male subject armed with a loaded rifle and pistol guarding the grows and accompanied by a vicious pit-bull canine. Detectives determined marijuana plants were being grown both outdoor and within a light deprivation green house on the vacant lands.
During the investigation a third subject arrived at the plaza transporting potted marijuana plants to the scene.
In total, approximately 312 pounds of processed marijuana, 393 marijuana plants, and 3 loaded firearms were seized during the investigation.
Personnel from the Clearlake Fire Department, Clearlake Code Enforcement, and Lake County Animal Control assisted the Sheriff’s Office with this investigation.
26 year old Dagoberto Vargas Olea, 31 year old Marvin Vera Alvarado, and 50 year old Gilberto Fulgencio Olea-Lopez were arrested and transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility for booking. Olea and Alvarado were both booked for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales and committing a felony while armed with a firearm. Olea-Lopez was booked for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sales.
To date this year, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit has eradicated approximately 65,000 marijuana plants and will continue its efforts to eradicate narcotics from the communities of Lake County and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for asset forfeiture whenever possible. Anyone with information that can assist the Sheriff's Narcotic Unit with this effort is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 263-3663.
Address/Location
Lake County CA Sheriff's Department
1220 Martin St
Lakeport, CA 95453
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-263-2690