Full Notification

For the past 2 months, undercover detectives assigned to the SLPD Crime Suppression Unit have been conducting an investigation into a clandestine marijuana lab in San Leandro, which yesterday, led police to two San Leandro residences, where detectives recovered the following:

*536 marijuana plants, capable of producing 116 pounds of finished marijuana, with an estimated street value of $290,000.
*8 pounds of finished marijuana, with an estimated street value of $16,000
*$45,556 in US currency
*5 illegal assault rifles
*12 high-capacity (30 round) magazines for the assault rifles

Acting on an anonymous tip, detectives were able to identify two San Leandro homes involved in this criminal activity: one in the 14500 block of Maricaibo Rd., and the other in the 2100 block of Marina Blvd.

After obtaining search warrants for both residences yesterday, detectives stopped 30 year old Tony Ho (image 1) of San Leandro leaving his home on Marina Blvd. Two partially assembeled AK-47 assault rifles were recovered in the residence (image 2), and had all parts necessary to make them active weapons. Detectives discovered orange plastic tips on each barrel, making these assault rifles look like toy guns. Ho was also in possession of three AR-15 assault rifles, each rifle, with several parts lacking serial numbers, and able to accept 30-round magazines, thus making them illegal to possess.

“It is frightening to know that AK-47 assault rifles capable of penetrating body armor worn by law enforcement officers were made to look like toys. We are happy that we were able to take 5 assault rifles out of the hands of someone involved in criminal activity,” stated Lt. Robert McManus.

Following Ho’s arrest, he was found to be in possession of keys to the home in the 14500 block of Maricaibo Rd.

Police went to the second home and entered with a search warrant, finding 31 year old John Er (image 3) and 24 year old Brian Nguyen (image 4) inside, harvesting mature marijuana plants in the bedrooms and garage, which had been converted into a clandestine marijuana cultivation lab. The amount of marijuana plants would have produced 116 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $290,000.

While searching the residence, detectives discovered $45,556 cash, which was seized by police pursuant to asset forfeiture laws. An additional 8 pounds of processed marijuana was found in the home, and was being prepared for sale.

It was further discovered that the PG&E electrical panel had been bypassed, creating a dangerous electrical issue in the home. PG&E technicians responded and rendered the electrical system safe.

The 3 men were arrested on suspicion of illegally cultivating marijuana for sale and theft of the electrical power at the Maricaibo residence. Ho received additional charges for possession of the assault weapons. The men are out of custody on bail, totaling $290,000 and are scheduled to appear in court on Friday at 2pm.

Lt. McManus thanked the person who provided information to police by stating, “This investigation is proof that even an anonymous tip reporting criminal activity can lead to a serious arrest.”

• Image 1: Tony Ho
• Image 2: AK-47 assault rifles with orange tips
• Image 3: John Er
• Image 4: Brian Nguyen

MEDIA UPDATES WILL BE MADE AS INFORMATION BECOMES AVAILABLE

Please contact the San Leandro Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division with any information regarding this case or any other case at (510) 577-3230.

Information may also be submitted anonymously by:

• Phone: Anonymous Crime Tips at (510) 577-3278
• Text Message: Text “TipSLPolice” to 888777

For crime prevention tips please go to the Police Department’s website at http://www.sanleandro.org/depts/pd or contact our Crime Prevention Unit at 510-577-3228.

Citizens play a critical role in creating a safe environment by observing and reporting any suspicious and criminal activity to the Police. The San Leandro Police Department recommends that citizens do not participate in any direct verbal or physical involvement with suspicious persons or those who are committing crimes. The personal safety of the community is paramount. We encourage the San Leandro community to record the details of what they observe and to report those details to the Police. This type of community involvement and partnership has proven to be a very effective crime prevention tool. Citizens act as the eyes and ears of the community first, and the extended eyes and ears of the San Leandro Police Department. Thank you for being a force multiplier in our efforts to provide professional police services and safety to the community.

PRESS RELEASE INFORMATION:

DATE / TIME OF RELEASE: 09/04/14 – 1630 hours

INCIDENTS: Men Arrested for Illegal Marijana and Assault Rifles

PRESS RELEASE OFFICER: Lt. Robert McManus

TELEPHONE: (510) 577-3232

DATE / TIME OF INCIDENT: 09/03/14 – 1330 hours

ARREST LOCATION(S): 2100 block of Marina Blvd. and 14500 block of Maricaibo Rd.