720 Pounds of Marijuana Seized During Warrant Service NR14329nv

September 11, 2014

Van Nuys:  LAPD Narcotics officers served a search warrant at a warehouse located in an industrial area in Van Nuys.

On Thursday, September 4, 2014, officers from the Van Nuys Division Narcotics Enforcement Detail (NED) conducted a search warrant of 14,000 sq. ft. warehouse that had been converted into a large marijuana cultivation operation.  The warehouse had been divided into as many as 20 rooms containing marijuana plants at different stages of development. During the search officers seized over 3,000 marijuana plants, totaling over 720 pounds of marijuana.  The officers also seized equipment which was being utilized to manufacture hashish.

Officials from the Department of Water and Power and Building and Safety also responded to the location because the warehouse was using dangerous amounts of electricity.  As a safety precaution, all electrical lines attached to the building were removed.

Investigators believed that this marijuana operation was producing an estimated street value of $3.7 million every 60 days. Four suspects were arrested and more arrests are anticipated.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Van Nuys Division NED Detectives, at 818-374-0040.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.