Police Shut Down Large Marijuana Grow Operation

Martinez police have arrested two men on suspicion of growing more than 600 marijuana plants inside a Truitt Ave. home. They estimate the pot is worth about $480,000. 

According to Sgt. Glenn Walkup, an electrical transformer caught fire at 4 Truitt Ave. on June 9 around 9:45 p.m. Police investigating the fire questioned 40-year-old John Bowe, who rented a room in the home. Bowe, who was on felony probation, was arrested on charges related to the marijuana grow operation, police said. In addition to the 642 plants in various stages of growth, police found about five pounds of marijuana that had previously been harvested and was being readied for sale.

Police also found evidence in the home of material with which to make hash oil, a highly concentrated form of marijuana. Walkup said many cans of Butane and other volatile material was found in the home, along with a 9mm semi-automatic pistol and a loaded 12 gauge shotgun.

The equipment being used to grow the marijuana has an estimated retail value of $30,000.00. The potential yield of marijuana from the plants present is estimated at 160 pounds and has an average sales price of $3000.00 per pound.

30-year-old Julian Tays, who rents the home, fled when the transformer caught fire, but turned himself into police on June 11, where he was also arrested on suspicion of growing marijuana.