2,000 marijuana plants seized in San Benito County

Two thousand marijuana plants were seized on a property in south San Benito County.

According to the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, on Friday September 15, members of the Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management followed up on reports about a suspected illegal marijuana grow site in Paicines.

Authorities said they found the illegal grow on Bureau of Land Management property. While searching the site, deputies found two suspects who took off running. 30-year-old Elizandro Hernandez Alvarado was eventually detained as the second suspect fled through brush and terrain.

“During the pursuit, a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun was pitched and located. The firearm was noted to be loaded, ready to fire and to be reported as stolen out of the Los Angeles, California area,” said Task Force Commander Richard Westphal.

The plants found ranged from three feet tall to approximately 12′-14′ tall. 5.5 pounds of processed and packaged marijuana, a scale packaging material and additional .45 caliber ammunition.

Deputies found the suspects had been diverting water, polluting, and possessed hazardous substances. 2,000 pounds of waste, and containers were located at the grow site.

Alvarado was booked in to the San Benito County Jail.