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Within the past few weeks, the San Benito County Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team (UNET) received information that there were two illegal marijuana cultivation sites in San Benito and Santa Clara counties. Working on the information obtained, an agent was able to obtain search warrants for both locations and at 7 a.m. Wednesday, multiple agencies served those warrants at properties where marijuana was being grown amid corn stalks. 

“This case is still developing as both sites are in the beginning stages of being processed for evidence,” San Benito County Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Taylor said in a release, noting that both locations have approximately 15 acres of corn stalks with marijuana being grown within. Also, both locations have out-buildings that are being used to process the marijuana.

Two people were detained in San Martin and 20 have been detained in San Juan Bautista.  Approximately 30 fled the San Juan Bautista site, with 20 being located thanks to the use of the CHP helicopter, according to Taylor.

Officials said more information will be coming with estimates of marijuana amounts and value as well as what evidence was recovered.  All detainees will be booked on charges of marijuana cultivation, resisting arrest and conspiracy.

Here is the detail of where the search warrants were served and which agencies were involved:

San Juan Bautista Location (400 block of Olympia Avenue)

  • San Benito County Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team (UNET)
  • San Benito County Sheriff
  • San Benito County Probation
  • Monterey County SWAT Team
  • CHP K-9
  • CHP Air Unit
  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
  • Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team
  • DEA

San Martin Location (12000 block of Center Road)

  • San Benito County Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team (UNET)
  • San Benito County Sheriff
  • Santa Clara County SWAT
  • Santa Clara County Air Unit
  • Santa Clara County Sheriff
  • Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team
  • Santa Clara County Search and Rescue
  • California DOJ Bureau of Firearms
  • Mountain View Police
  • U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force
  • CHP
  • DEA

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