State officials conducted the most recent in a string of cannabis grow-house raids throughout the region on Wednesday morning in East Contra Costa County.
The Department of Cannabis Control released footage from various busts in Antioch earlier this year, claiming that the city has more illegal marijuana growers than any other place in California outside of Los Angeles.
Agencies in Fairfield said last month that they had seized over 8,000 plants from eight properties over several months.
Two residences owned by the same individual were raided on Wednesday: one in Brentwood and one in Discovery Bay.
According to the Department of Cannabis Control, all of the grow houses they have recently raided share the trait of being owned by Chinese nationals.
“Police! Warrant for Search! The agents hammered on the door of a house in Discovery Bay early on Wednesday morning, demanding access.
“It’s small town America, which is why the houses are being used. No one suspects it would be occurring here,” said DCC enforcement officer Kevin McInerney.
According to investigators, one side of the house was occupied by the homeowner, his wife, and their three small children. Nearly 400 plants were dispersed throughout multiple rooms in the other half, which was equipped with a complex grow operation that included grow lights, fans, and a huge drip system.
The commonality among these cases, according to DCC investigators, is that the growing is connected to Chinese crime syndicates, who have essentially taken over California’s illegal marijuana market, which was formerly dominated by Mexican cartels.
“There was a shift from public land grows mostly run by the cartels to much more residential grows,” McInerney stated.
According to DCC agents, the Chinese owner of the home that was seized in Discovery Bay on Wednesday morning also owned a home in Brentwood. The team’s next destination was that.
“Police! Warrant for Search! The agents yelled, “Demand entry!” once more. Two-by-fours had been used to barricade the front door. Agents discovered that the entire house had been transformed into a huge grow house, replete with board blocking the entrances and protected windows.
There were grow light lines going throughout the house, and the bedrooms were wrapped in reflective insulation. It also included dozens of gallons of fertilizer and insecticides, as well as irrigation equipment.
The grow had just been harvested, according to agents. It was probably worth a lot of money on the black market given its size.
“The entities that are involved in the illicit cannabis market are also involved in criminal activity,” McInerney stated.
According to the neighbors, they had no suspicions that anything unlawful was taking place.
One of the quietest homes on the block has been this one. I’ve been here for six years and I’ve never seen anyone coming in or out of that house,” said Garrett, who lives across the street. He declined to give CBS Bay Area his last name out of fear of retaliation by whoever was responsible for the grow house.
Investigators say when they talked with the homeowner, he actually admitted to having grows, saying it was his family’s source of income. He told investigators that he was working alone, but they have their doubts.
All of the evidence collected Wednesday will be sent to the Contra Costa District Attorney who will decide what, if any charges will be filed in these cases. That is why CBS News Bay Area is not identifying the homeowner as of yet.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.