Illegal Marijuana Grow And Rooster Fight Ring Discovered In Calaveras County

BURSON (CBS13) -- On April 20, law enforcement served a search warrant in Burson for a large illegal marijuana cultivation operation as well as for illegal rooster fighting activities, said the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office.

The operation took place at the 5000 block of Chile Camp Road in Burson where deputies seized 1,008 marijuana plants being illegally grown.

The estimated value of the total plants seized exceeded $65,000.

The marijuana plants were being grown in "hoop house" structures and seedlings were located in an RV trailer on the site.

Detectives additionally served a search warrant at the same property for illegal rooster fighting activities.

Over 160 roosters were found at the site, each of which was either banded or collected as evidence.

The banded roosters were left at the site and will be inspected by law enforcement and animal services.

Additionally, seven firearms were seized, one of which was stolen out of Stockton.

71-year-old Francisco Sanchez-Tinajero of Burson and 45-year-old Maria Concepcion Estrada of Burson were both arrested for various charges.