Pubdate: Tue, 29 Sep 2009 Source: Ukiah Daily Journal, The (CA) Copyright: 2009 The Ukiah Daily Journal Contact: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/feedback Website: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/581 Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. Author: Tiffany Revelle, The Daily Journal Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Marijuana - California) 38 ARRESTED IN POT BUST They Hail From Coast to Coast and Beyond A three-day marijuana bust netted 38 arrests last week on private properties in the northern areas of Mendocino County, as far north as Bell Springs and as far south as Dos Rios Road in Laytonville, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office revealed Monday. The MCSO led the multi-agency raids, serving 12 search warrants and seizing 53,270 plants, 336 pounds of processed marijuana, 14 firearms and $12,980 in cash. Lt. Rusty Noe estimated the street value of the seized plants was "in excess of $1 million." "Last week was a culmination of what was probably months-long investigation," Sheriff Tom Allman said in a Monday telephone press conference. A four-inch pipe found pumping water out of the Eel River on Island Mountain led authorities to do a fly-over of the area and discover a 552-plant grow on a 120-acre parcel, according to Allman. He said there was no word for it but "obscene." All of the seizures happened on private property, but Allman said search warrants weren't needed in "open field" searches where no structure was attached to the land. Agents from the state Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, federal Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, state parole and county probation aided in the operation. Allman said the cost of the operation wasn't yet known, but between 40 and 55 agents worked on the investigation each of the three days. Noe, Advertisement who prepared the Monday press release, said the charges would likely be sent to the Mendocino County District Attorney's office Monday. Allman said of the 38 people arrested, nine had posted bail. The 38 people arrested on suspicion of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale are: [redacted] - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake