Major Pot Growing Operation Found In Trailer
DELHI, Calif. (CBS13) -- Merced County authorities said a marijuana growing operation worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was busted in a doublewide trailer Tuesday.
Merced County Sheriff's deputies found evidence of a marijuana growing operation on the 14000 block of South 2nd Avenue after receiving reports of trespassing and utility theft.
A drug task force with law enforcement officers from Merced and Mariposa counties investigated the scene and found 75 pounds of processed marijuana, with a street value of more than $250,000, and another 550 marijuana plants.
No suspects were immediately located, but deputies heard noises under the trailer and located escape routes cut out in the floor.
Two suspects, identified as 28-year-old Shao Fen and 31-year-old Peng Chan, were found hiding under the floor.
Chan was arrested on charges of marijuana cultivation, possession, utility theft and other charges on $295,000 bail. Fen, a parolee, is facing similar charges and is also being held on $295,000 bail.
Investigators believe the suspects had routed electrical wiring to bypass the meter and steal $5,000 to $10,000 a month in electricity for the purposes of the alleged growing operation.
