Thousands of marijuana plants, guns, silver and gold found during separate marijuana grow busts

County officials say two illegal commercial cannabis operations were shutdown this past week in Boulder Creek, both off of Bear Creek Road.

Search warrants led officials to more than 2,000 plants at the locations. One located on Whalbone Gulch Road, the other at 17000 Bear Creek Road.

The investigation at Whalbone also led to the confiscation of 61 pounds of processed cannabis, 50 pounds of recently harvested cannabis plants, 6.9 pounds of processed cannabis concentrate, gold and silver valued at approximately $67,000, and $53,330. Illegal firearms and ammunition were also seized.

Officials say at the location on Bear Creek Road, the operators were using water from Bear Creek to cultivate the plants. Now an additional investigation is underway to determine the extent of environmental impact from the stream diversion.

No arrests were made at the time. Both investigations are now being handled by the district attorney’s office to determine if anyone will face criminal charges.

KION’S Ashley Keehn will have more at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.