SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Police collected over 3,000 pot plants and thousands of dollars in currency and two people charged in a string of raids in San Francisco’s Sunset district. The raids targeted an illegal grow operation in the area. Authorities announced the arrests on Tuesday.
According to the authorities, 38-year-old Stephen Pan and 41-year-old Qiong Chen were booked into the San Francisco County jail. Moreover, they charged each with four counts of illegal marijuana cultivation and conspiracy. Weed is legal in California, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal to grow it anywhere!
Illegal Pot Plants Found in Sunset District
Armed with the appropriate search warrants the San Francisco Police Department stormed the illegal facilities on February 21st. Consequently, they raided multiple locations in and around San Francisco. However, most were in the Sunset District.
The contraband seized during the raids included 840 marijuana plants from the 200 block of 40th Avenue. Additionally, they nabbed 900 marijuana plants and 12 lbs. of wrapped marijuana in the 3400 block of Judah Street. In the 1900 block of 45th Avenue, they collected even more plants. In fact, they found exactly 1,237 plants and $11,000 in U.S. currency at this location. Finally, officers seized 435 marijuana plants from the 2500 block of Ocean Avenue.
Detectives say a total of 3,412 illegal marijuana plants were taken. They also claimed three cars used in the operation. Moreover, detectives noticed there were numerous fire code violations in the makeshift grow houses. Also, the financial data collected from the scene provided evidence of a money-laundering scheme. Consequently, this aided the ongoing criminal enterprise.
Police say the investigation is ongoing, and they encourage anybody with tips to call the SFPD 24 hour tip line at (415)-575-4444. You are also welcome to text a tip to TIP411. You can remain anonymous.
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