UPDATE: Illegal marijuana grow investigated in San Benito County

UPDATE 7/24/15 3:33 p.m.: The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office said the initial investigation into a large-scale illegal marijuana cultivation operation has come to an end.

The investigation started Thursday morning and later more evidence was discovered.

The Sheriff’s Office said drug agents discovered 75-80,000 marijuana plants and 800-100 pounds of processed marijuana were found, valued at about $230 million.

More evidence of illegal activity was found including four assault rifles, one shotgun, seven handguns, military-grade body armor, ammunition, large capacity magazines and cash, according to investigators.

Twelves arrests were made.

UPDATE 7/23/15 3:28 p.m.: A large-scale marijuana cultivation operation on a 30-acre rural property in San Benito County was busted by drug agents Thursday morning, according to the Sheriff’s Office. At least 25 officers from five agencies including the San Benito and Santa Clara county law enforcement and the California Highway Patrol took part in the raid.

Investigators said 70 to 80,000 plants were being grown within a corn crop to avoid detection. The value of the grow was estimated at about $225 million and another $2 to $3 million in processed marijuana was located on the property, according to agents.

Agents also said three assault rifles, multiple high-capacity rifle magazines, two handguns, one shotgun, ammunition and military-grade body armor were located at the property.

Investigators said about 30 people ran from the field during the initial search of the property, but 12 were arrested and booked into the San Benito County Jail. The San Benito Sheriff’s Office says many of them are from Central California here for work.

“This type of job is paying more than your typical labor job,” said Capt. Eric Taylor. “So it’s enticing for them to make double or triple than what they normally make in the agricultural industry.”

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has been contacted because investigators believe a creek near the grow has been contaminated by large amounts of fertilizer and human feces. They also believe water may have been illegally diverted to the site.

The marijuana is being destroyed with a tractor.

“The only way to really eradicate the marijuana is to bring in a tractor and work the field until everything is chopped up and not usable anymore,” Capt. Taylor said.

Authorities do not believe the actual tenants living on the property were involved in the illegal cultivation. News Channel 5 spoke to family members off camera, all were shocked to hear the news.

UPDATE 7/23/15 12:22 p.m.: Multiple law enforcement agencies are working on investigating an illegal marijuana grow in Hollister Thursday morning.

Investigators said thousands of marijuana plants ranging from 3 to 14 feet tall were found in a corn field off Shore Rd., along with hundreds of pounds of processed marijuana.

Drug agents were called out to the location around 7:15 a.m. including the Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team, Hollister Police, San Benito County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol and the Santa Clara Specialized Enforcement Team.

The marijuana was found to be growing on a 30 acre parcel, according to investigators. At least 30 people ran from the field when investigators arrived but they said about a dozen people have been detained.

Agents said there are multiple campsites around the property, where people were living to protect the grow. The grow is also near a creek where investigators said water is being diverted to irrigate the land and the water is being contaminated by fertilizer and feces.

PREVIOUS STORY: Drug agents are investigating a marijuana grow in San Benito County Thursday morning, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said multiple arrests are expected at a location off of Shore Rd. in Hollister.

NewsChannel 5 has a crew on scene and this story will be updated when more information becomes available.