Local drug agents Friday found a marijuana-growing operation one block from Maze Middle School and made a related arrest.
United Narcotics Enforcement Team agents made the arrest.
According to a statement from Hollister police:
UNET Agents served a search warrant and discovered an elaborate indoor marijuana growing operation one block from an elementary school.
At approximately 11:26 am, Agents from the Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team (UNET), along with Hollister Police Officers, including the School Resource Officer, served a search warrant on a home located at 800 Le Mans Drive in Hollister. The home was located less than 250 feet from Margaret Maze School. The search warrant was a result of suspected theft of electrical services.
Agents had to force their way into the home when the sole occupant of the house refused to allow entry. Once inside the home, agents discovered an elaborate growing system that included multiple 1000 watt growing lights, a drip irrigation system and electrical timers. All of the bedrooms in the home were used to grow several different types of marijuana at different stages of development. Hundreds of plants were recovered by UNET Agents along with other evidence.
School Resource Officer Michael Paddy assisted in coordinating the timing of the raid to minimize any potential effects to the nearby school. Agents took special precautions and school staff was kept advised of the situation. There was no need to initiate any security measures at the school.
Son Nguyen (32) was arrested in the home. He was later transported to the San Benito County Jail where he was booked for felony cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and theft of public services. His bail is set at $55,000.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on this crime is encouraged to call the UNET task force at 636-8622. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team is a Department of Justice Task Force with members from the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, San Benito County Probation and the Hollister Gang Officer.
