Authorities with the sheriff’s office and United Narcotics Enforcement Team served a search warrant at a San Juan Bautista home Saturday morning and recovered an indoor marijuana grow operation.
Authorities arrested a resident of the address – Anthony Montoya, 33 – on related charges along with driving under the influence, as he had arrived to the home shortly before the warrant was executed.
Deputies had located the suspected operation in the Mission City near downtown and requested help from UNET. At about 3:30 a.m. Saturday, they served the warrant in the first block of Powell Street.
Authorities found what they called an “underground, sophisticated marijuana grow operation with 341 plants in different stages of growth,” according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
“The search resulted in the collection of the marijuana plants, and evidence showing the illegal sales of the processed marijuana,” according to the statement.
Authorities arrested him without incident and recommended charges of cultivating marijuana and driving under the influence.
As for the DUI, the California Highway Patrol assisted with that portion of the investigation. Authorities also alleged they found him in possession of marijuana and marijuana smoking paraphernalia.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information can call (831) 636-4080.
