Full Notification

DATE/TIME: October 21, 2018, at approximately 5:30 p.m.

INCIDENT: THC Extraction Lab

LOCATION: 26100 block of Houston Street, Apple Valley

SUSPECT(S): Andrew Welter, 31 year old male resident of Apple Valley



VICTIM(S):


SUMMARY:
On Sunday, October 21st, at approximately 5:30 p.m., deputies from the Victor Valley Station responded to a shots heard call in the unincorporated area of Apple Valley. Deputies contacted Andrew Welter at a residence in the 26100 block of Houston Street. Welter was believed to have fired several firearms in the backyard of the residence. Deputies conducted a security check of the residence, looking for any other armed individuals. Deputies located a large, active THC extraction lab inside the residence. Investigators from the Sheriff's Gangs/Narcotics Division-Marijuana Enforcement Team and the Lab Team responded to assist. A search warrant was served and nine large, commercially manufactured THC extraction units and eight 35-gallon butane tanks were located. These types of extraction units are intended for the commercial extraction of THC in specifically designed facilities with blast proof rooms. THC extraction labs commonly use highly flammable and/or explosive gases, such as butane, to extract tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, to produce a substance commonly referred to as marijuana wax. THC labs are extremely dangerous and have the potential of exploding and catching fire. This can pose serious safety concerns in residential neighborhoods, such as this. Over 1,700 pounds of processed marijuana and 69 pounds of concentrated marijuana were seized.

San Bernardino County has an ordinance prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity which includes volitile extractions, such as a THC extraction operation, at a residence. Additionally, the suspect did not obtain a business license from the county of San Bernardino, nor did they have a license from the State of California to conduct volitile extractions.

The suspect was booked at the High Desert Detention Center on charges of Manufacturing a Controlled Substance.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909)387-8400 or [email protected]. 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

Station:

Phone No. (909)387-3700

Case No. DR #: 651800457

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