Illegal marijuana grow & lab equipment located during fire investigation.
On Tuesday, January 11 just after 11:00 p.m., deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff’s Station responded to a radio call to assist the San Marcos Fire Department with a house fire in the 900 block of Bluesage Drive. While firefighters were putting out the flames, they discovered a small indoor marijuana grow inside of the home.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit were requested to investigate the cause and origin of the fire. During the investigation, they discovered material used to extract Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from marijuana plants inside of the home. Some materials typically used in the THC extraction process are highly explosive, unpredictable and pose a great danger to the public.
The Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) was requested by Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Detectives to investigate the indoor marijuana grow, as well as a possible THC extraction lab. MET Detectives obtained a search warrant for the home and seized the following items:
- 124 marijuana plants (estimated street value of $46,500)
- THC extracting material
The sole occupant of the home was transported to a hospital with unknown injuries. Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Detectives along with MET Detectives are still investigating the cause of the fire.
If you have any information about this incident, call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. You will remain anonymous. You can also download the P3 anonymous tip app by visiting the Crime Stoppers website. You may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
