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Temecula police report large-scale marijuana grow, seize 300 pounds and red-tag two homes
Summary
Riverside County deputies reported seizing roughly 300 pounds of processed marijuana, over 350 plants, $25,000 in cash and four rifles during April search warrants at two Temecula residences; both homes were red-tagged and investigators estimated more than $100,000 in utility theft.
Riverside County Southwest Station Chief Mark Regali told the Temecula City Council on May 12 that deputies executed search warrants April 10 at two neighboring Corte Anza residences and uncovered what investigators describe as a large-scale marijuana cultivation and distribution operation. “Search warrants were served and resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 pounds of processed marijuana, over 350 marijuana plants, $25,000 in US currency, additional drugs, and steroids as well as four rifles,” Regali said.
Regali told the council deputies used drone surveillance to identify indicators of indoor cultivation and that Southern California Edison confirmed both homes were bypassing electrical service. He estimated utility theft from the two properties at just over $100,000. Both residences were deemed unsafe and were red-tagged with power shut off after partner agencies — including building and safety, code enforcement, the fire marshal and the California State Water Resources Control Board — responded, Regali said.
The chief said one suspect detained during a traffic stop was identified as an employee of the grow operation and that the property owner at the primary residence was taken into custody without incident. Regali described the interior of the homes as gutted and converted to cultivation facilities, and said the California Water Board is pursuing environmental violations tied to water contamination from the sites.
Investigators believe the primary suspect may be linked to additional illegal cultivation locations and said follow-up work is ongoing, including financial asset seizure and potential forfeiture of properties. “Deputies will continue proactive enforcement efforts to disrupt these illegal narcotics operations operating within the city,” Regali said.
The report was delivered as a regular public-safety briefing; council members did not take immediate action in response. The police chief said the investigation remains active and that the sheriff’s office depends on community reporting to identify suspected illegal operations.
