Working on a tip last week, the deputies found a marijuana garden off Betabel Road and caused a group of males nearby to flee the area, according to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office.
As sheriff’s deputies arrived July 28 to the 9600 block of Betabel Road, six to seven males fled an apparent farming operation. Authorities called in help from outside agencies and set up a perimeter, but the men escaped, according to the sheriff’s office statement.
Authorities seized 20,283 mature marijuana plants ready for harvesting. They had an estimated street value of up to $30 million, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to the sheriff’s office statement:
Evidence was collected as to the identities of some of the suspects who fled the area and were involved in the cultivation. That investigation is ongoing. The owner of the property was contacted and he/she responded to the scene. The owner was cooperative with the investigation and it was determined the owner was not involved in the crime and was unaware of the activities carried out by tenants.
Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office at (831) 636-4100 or our Anonymous Tip-Line at 636-4084.
