Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Friday, March 30, 2018 8:25 am

INCIDENT: THC Lab / Animal Cruelty

LOCATION: 13000 block of Begonia Road, Victorville

SUSPECTS: Gregory Sams, 38 years of age, resident of Highland

SUMMARY:

On Friday, March 30, 2018 at 8:00 am, Rural Crime Task Force Deputies Oakleaf and Stanley from the Victor Valley Sheriff Station served a search warrant at the 13000 block of Begonia Road reference illegal fighting bird operation. During a search of the property, they located an illegal THC extraction lab and an indoor marijuana grow in addition to over 20 fighting roosters. Over 325 marijuana plants, in various stages of growth, along with over 40 pounds of processed marijuana and 3 pounds of concentrated THC were found inside the house. The THC lab and grow operation used advanced lighting, air conditioning, fans, and exhaust blowers to control the climate inside the residence as well as an air-filtering system to control the odor of marijuana. Investigators also found the electricity at the location was being stolen to facilitate the grow operation. Personnel from Southern California Edison (SCE) assisted in the electrical theft investigation.

The Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team and San Bernardino County Fire personnel responded to the location and assisted with the investigation due to the hazmat situation. They located approximately 400 butane cans inside. The extreme measures used to illegally grow marijuana and extract THC endangers the public living near the residence. The potential for an explosion and fire when extracting THC are high due to the materials used.

Bird fighting supplements, feed, tethers and fighting implements were also located. Many of the roosters had their combs and waddles groomed for fighting. San Bernardino Animal Control responded and assisted with the birds.

Gregory Sams fled the location just as deputies arrived. He was contacted down the street from the residence. He was arrested for TCH extraction lab and booked at the High Desert Detention Center. Sams is being held in lieu of $500,000.00 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Deputy Oakleaf or Deputy Corey Lawrence at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, (760) 552-6800. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com.


Refer: Robert Oakleaf, Deputy Sheriff

Station: Victor Valley

Report #071801025

Phone No: 760-552-6845

JOHN MCMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department