Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team seizes 296 marijuana plants following a search warrant in Lucerne Valley
DATE/TIME: Monday, July 6, 2015 / 3:15 p.m.
INCIDENT: Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation
LOCATION: Unknown address-Mason Drive near Sunset Road, Lucerne Valley
SUSPECT: Norberto Mendoza-Valencia, age 51, non-United States Citizen
SUMMARY:
Members of the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team served a search warrant on a large parcel on Mason Drive in Lucerne Valley. Investigators found an outdoor marijuana cultivation on the property. The suspect was hired to watch over and tend to the marijuana plants growing at the location.
The marijuana plants were found growing in an unsecured, fenced in area. The investigation revealed this was an illegal marijuana growing operation, which was not in compliance with California medical marijuana laws. The County of San Bernardino has an ordinance prohibiting outdoor marijuana cultivations that are not within a secured structure.
A total of 296 marijuana plants were seized. The plants ranged in height from 1 to 3 feet tall. Mendoza-Valencia was staying on the property using solar powered panels for electricity. Food and other supplies were being delivered to him by an unidentified person. Mendoza-Valencia was arrested without incident and booked into the San Bernardino County jail for cultivating marijuana.
The County’s ordinance prohibiting outdoor marijuana cultivations has been in effect for some time now. Property owners who have been contacted by individuals interested in renting or leasing their property for the purpose of growing marijuana should be cautious and contact Land Use Services to confirm the growing operation is within the conditions set forth by the County. Property owners may be issued citations and held responsible for violations found on their property. This can include civil and criminal penalties, fines or both.
Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/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
DR/Case: 621500381
Phone No: (909)387-3700
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Headquarters
655 E 3rd St
San Bernardino, CA 92408
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 909-387-3700