More than 20,000 marijuana plants seized in San Benito County

San Benito County Sheriff’s deputies seized more than 20,000 marijuana plants from a property on Betabel Road Monday.

Working on a tip, three deputies went to the 9600 block of Betabel Road to investigate possible evidence of a crime. When they arrived, deputies saw six or seven males fleeing from what appeared to be a large-scale marijuana grow.

California Highway Patrol officers assisted with a search but the suspects weren’t located.

Members of the Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team were called in, and 20,283 mature pot plants were seized and destroyed. Deputies say the plants had an estimated street value of $25-30 million.

Evidence was collected as to the identities of some of the suspects who fled the area and were involved in the cultivation. The investigation is ongoing.

The property owner was contacted and was cooperative with investigators. Deputies believe the individual wasn’t aware of what was being done at the property.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 636-4100 or anonymous tipline at 636-4084.