Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On July 15, 2008, Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives concluded a 2-month marijuana cultivation investigation with the seizure of over 14,000 marijuana plants. During a reconnaissance flight in early May, a marijuana cultivation operation was found in the Gold Hill area of Eastern Ventura County. This area is located west of the Hungary Valley State Off Highway Vehicle Park, on the Northern slope of Alamo Mountain. At this time, the marijuana plants were in clusters of germination containers and had not yet been planted in the ground.

During the investigation, detectives observed food drops where those working in the gardens were restocked with food and other essentials. On July 11, 2008, during one of the food drops, Anguino and Lucatero were arrested for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana. Both were booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

On July 15, 2008, the marijuana was eradicated by members of the Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit, Air Unit, Gang Unit and S.W.A.T. Team, the United States Forest Service, and California State Park Rangers. In the last two months the marijuana plants had grown to a height of two feet to 8 feet in length. The plants were found in several drainages and hillsides not ravaged by the Day Fire, which occurred in September 2006. No suspects were located in the gardens. The marijuana plants which had a street value of $28,000,000.00 were removed and destroyed at an off site location. Investigation to continue.