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Marijuana cultivation arrest
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 24th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Detectives completed a 3 month investigation into marijuana cultivations with the arrest of Ricardo Valencia. In February 2013, Narcotics Detectives observed suspicious activity at several locations along Highway 33 north of the city of Ojai. This area has held several large scale marijuana cultivations for many years. Through their investigation, detectives identified Ricardo Valencia, a Los Angeles resident, as being involved in these suspicious activities. Detectives knew Valencia from his arrest, and subsequent conviction, for cultivation of marijuana in 2012 near Rose Valley. After serving his sentence, Valencia was deported to his native country. With the assistance of the Sheriff’s Air Unit, three large cultivation sites near Highway 33 were identified: On June 4th and June 6th, Sheriff’s personnel eradicated the 3 grow sites and seized 6,229 marijuana plants. On June 7, Valencia was arrested near his home in Los Angeles for the cultivation of marijuana. During the Search Warrant at his residence, detectives discovered 2 firearms, over $5,000.00 in cash, approximately 1 pound of processed marijuana, and items typically related to marijuana cultivation; flexible irrigation tubing, camouflaged propane cylinders, seedling cups, and animal repellants. Valencia was transported to the Sheriff’s Main Jail in Ventura and booked for the cultivation of marijuana, a violation of probation warrant stemming from the 2012 arrest, and possession of fictitious identification paperwork. His bail was set at $500,000.00. Nature of Incident: Marijuana cultivation arrest Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
