Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Wednesday, September 11, 2013, 5:00 p.m.
INCIDENT: Search Warrant – Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation
LOCATION: 3055 Sage Avenue, in the unincorporated county area of Yucca Valley
SUSPECT: Sengchanh Nanthavondouangsy, age 44 - Cultivation
Manikhone Chithavong, age 59 – Cultivation

SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at approximately 5:00 p.m., the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division Marijuana Enforcement Team and deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station served a search warrant at 3055 Sage Avenue in the unincorporated county area of Yucca Valley. The residents, Sengchanh Nanthavondouangsy and Manikhone Chithavong were in the home when investigators arrived. The residence had minimal furnishings and appeared to only be utilized to facilitate the cultivation.

Investigators discovered a large marijuana cultivation in the rear yard of the residence. The plants were growing throughout an approximate 1.5 acre area and were enclosed with a chain link fence covered with sun shade fabric. A total of 378 mature and budding plants, ranging from 3 to 5 feet tall were seized. Two pounds of processed marijuana was located in a large steel storage container in the yard that was being used for drying and processing. Several small starter plants were found growing inside the residence. The investigation revealed this was an illegal marijuana operation, which was not in compliance with California medical marijuana laws. The amount of marijuana seized at this location was not consistent with personal use and suggests the suspects had no intention of abiding to the states medical marijuana laws. Officers from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement assisted with the violation of the county ordinance.

Investigators arrested, transported and booked Nanthavondouangsy and Chitavong into the Morongo Jail for Cultivation. The investigation will be submitted to the District Attorney for review.

Today’s investigations throughout the Landers and Yucca Valley communities were a combined effort between Sheriff’s Narcotics Division and personnel from the Morongo Basin Station.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Narcotics Division at (909)890-4840. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs
Phone No. (909)387-3700

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department