Crime & Safety

Marijuana Enforcement Team Arrests 17, Seizes 110 Pounds, 1,925 Plants, 2 Guns

Deputies with a San Bernardino County marijuana enforcement team served multiple search warrants in the Yucca Valley and Landers communities Wednesday, arrested 17 suspects, seized 110 pounds of pot, 1,925 plants and two firearms, according to sheriff’s Narcotics Division and Morongo Basin personnel.


At 3055 Sage Ave. in Yucca Valley, arrested on suspicion of cultivation were Sengchanh Nanthavondouangsy, 44, and Manikhone Chithavong, 59, deputies said in a statement.

"The residence had minimal furnishings and appeared to only be utilized to facilitate the cultivation," deputies said. "Investigators discovered a large marijuana cultivation in the rear yard of the residence. The plants were growing throughout an approximate 1.5 acre area and were enclosed with a chain link fence covered with sun shade fabric."

A total of 378 mature and budding plants 3 to 5 feet tall were seized, deputies said. Two pounds of processed marijuana were found in a steel storage container in the yard that was being used for drying and processing. Several small starter plants were found growing inside the residence.

"The investigation revealed this was an illegal marijuana operation, which was not in compliance with California medical marijuana laws," deputies said. "The amount of marijuana seized at this location was not consistent with personal use and suggests the suspects had no intention of abiding to the states medical marijuana laws."

Other locations searched Sept. 11 included:

- 424 Mallow Road, Landers

- 60576 Lorraine Road, Landers

- 58674 Philippe Lane, Landers

- 1254 Goat Mountain Road, Landers

In addition to the confiscated marijuana, during the searches deputies also seized one .38-caliber revolver, one .22-caliber rifle, 2 grams of methamphetamine and 2 grams cocaine, according to sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller.

Anyone with more info was urged to call the sheriff's Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840. Anonymous tipsters can call the Wetip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or leave info online at www.wetip.com.


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