On Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. the Sheriff’s Marijuana Eradication Team (MET Team), along with Investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), served a search warrant at the Wonder Valley property.

In Wonder Valley, Investigators found what they describe as a ‘Plywood Grow’. A plywood grow is commonly found in remote, rural areas with large parcels of land. The grow area is outdoors and is fenced with plywood and then covered with a black mesh netting. Irrigation tubing was connected to a large water tank on the property. This grow had over 300 plants that were completely matured and ready for harvest.

Investigators located two suspects at the property and both were taken into custody. The suspects/caretakers were living on the property in a tent and using camping supplies. This property does not have any buildings or plumbing.

Arrested were:

• MIGUEL ANGEL CABANAS-BLANCO, AGE 22
• SANTIAGO LOPEZ GARCIA, AGE 45

Both suspects were booked for HS 11358, Marijuana Cultivation and Title 18, Immigration Hold. They are being held without bail and are scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, September 20, 2012 in Morongo Superior Court.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Narcotic Division at (909)890-4840. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.