US DOJ Press Release: Major Marijuana Growing Operation Dismantled

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2004

Major Marijuana Growing Operation Dismantled

AUG 20--On Wednesday, August 18, 2004, Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wolf Team of the California National Guard, executed a federal search warrant on four properties in Upper Lake, California, owned by Mr. Charles Edward Lepp. The addresses where the search warrants were served are as follows: 9175 and 9176 Upper Lake Lucerne Road, and 941 and 975 East State Highway 20, all in Upper Lake, California.

Approximately 32,500 marijuana plants were found and seized during this operation. Some of the marijuana plants were knee high, while others were in excess of 10 feet tall. In addition, the following were also seized during the execution of the search warrant: a loaded Beretta .32 semi-automatic pistol, plastic bags containing what appeared to be dried/processed marijuana, canning jars containing a dark brown substance mixed with liquid suspected to be hash oil, a digital scale, computer CPUs and other items.

State authorities arrested fourteen individuals who will be charged in State court. Mr. Lepp was arrested on federal charges of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy, and establishing of marijuana manufacturing operations in violation of 21 United States Code, Sections 841, 846, and 856. Mr. Lepp had his initial appearance in front of US Magistrate Bernard Zimmerman on Thursday 08/19/2004. During the court hearing, defense attorney Dennis Roberts praised in open court the compassion and professionalism of the DEA Agents that arrested and transported Mr. Lepp. Magistrate Zimmerman imposed a $200,000.00 bail, and Mr. Lepp posted a bond.

Marijuana plants produce different amounts of smokable pot. Large plants can yield in excess of 4 lbs of dried marijuana. It is difficult to estimate the yield of 32,500 plants, but if each plant was to yield one pound of dried marijuana, which could be sold on the street for $4000, the potential street value of this crop would be in the vicinity of $130,000,000.00

The DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Sullivan stated: This is one of the largest and most sophisticated marijuana growing operations located in California. Sophisticated growing techniques have led to a dramatic rise in the THC level of marijuana being seized within California. The DEA will continue to pursue criminals engaged in the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana, and protect the public from the dangers of illegal drugs.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney David Hall.

For further information contact Richard Meyer, DEA Public Information Officer, at 415-436-7900.