Smell of gas leads to cannabis extraction lab bust

Gilroy police arrested a man they said was running a clandestine butane honey oil lab also known as a concentrated cannabis extraction lab.

On November 11, the Gilroy Fire Department responded to the area of 4th and Rosanna Streets to investigate the strong odor of gas.

Firefighters feared for the residents safety and entered a home on the 7600 Block of Rosanna Street. Police say they located evidence that they believed to be consistent with that of a clandestine lab.

Investigators with the Gilroy Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team (ACT) took over the investigation at that point and got a search warrant for the house.

Investigators found a room that was being used as an active clandestine butane honey oil lab. They also found equipment for the lab within feet of a child’s play area.

Members of the Santa Clara County Special Enforcement Team, with specialized lab training, and Unified Narcotics Enforcement Task Force Agents assisted with the dismantling and seizure of the lab equipment.

Investigators seized hundreds of butane gas cans, pressure cooking devices, mechanical pumps and pure alcohol. The concentrated cannabis/honey oil seized was with a street value of $15,600. They also found marijuana with a street value of $6,000.

Police say 31-year-old Rene Vargas had his 59-year-old father, wife and 11-month old son living in the house.

Vargas was arrested and charged with manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana/concentrated cannabis for sales, and child endangerment.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Gilroy Police Department Anti-Crime Team Detective Bill Richmond at (408) 846-0350.

If you want to remain anonymous, call We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME).