RivCo Trio Busted, Accused Of Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Three men were arrested last month on charges related to an illegal marijuana grow house at a Winchester home, where weapons also reportedly were found, after a search warrant was issued following neighbor complaints, according to authorities.

Along with marijuana recovered from the residence, on the 33000 block of Arthur Road, were two unregistered “ghost” handguns, a 33-round high-capacity magazine, and 45 9mm rounds of ammunition, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said.

Arrested for suspicion of marijuana cultivation, with charges expected by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, were Mark Alan Mason, Jaime Alberto Torres Patron and Carlos Eudi Zamora Ramirez.

On March 30, members from the Southwest Agricultural Liaison Unit, Special Enforcement Team and Homeless Outreach Team served a search warrant at the site in the unincorporated area of Riverside County, a warrant "authored in response to citizen complaints about the residence," officials said.

Deputies reported several outbuildings contained marijuana plants in various stages of growth and eradicated approximately 3,100 marijuana plants, 60 pounds of marijuana shake and 25 pounds of processed marijuana, the agency said.

Officials also said electrical meters were bypassed to "steal electricity" from Southern California Edison, with preliminary estimates at more than $42,000.

Anyone with information on this investigation can contact Deputy Lance Deforest at 951-696-3000.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said anyone who suspects drug activity in their area, should contact their local sheriff’s station or submit a tip using the CrimeTips online form.

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