Authorities Find Plants, Cash, and Guns From Illegal Marijuana Grow Sites in Rural California

Three suspects were arrested after two illegal marijuana farms were uncovered in Mariposa and Stanislaus counties.

Mariposa County, Calif., sheriff's deputies raided two illegal marijuana growing operations, and later found more illegal marijuana, cash, and firearms at a suspect's home on July 27, 2025. Mariposa County Sheriff's Department

A bust of illegal marijuana farms in rural California this month led to the arrest of a suspect found with cash and firearms, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office reported July 27.

Deputies arrested Javier Espindola after serving a search warrant at his home in Ceres, Calif., located about 80 miles south of Sacramento.

Inside the home, deputies said they found several pounds of processed marijuana and seized $15,680 in cash. They also recovered six firearms, including assault rifles and handguns, according to the sheriff’s office.

Behind the home, deputies also found an outdoor marijuana grow and a shop fully set up for indoor cultivation. They found processed marijuana on site and growing equipment.

“We often hear comments asking why we ‘waste our time and resources’ on marijuana grows, especially since marijuana is legal in California,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “But this is exactly why we do it. These aren’t small, recreational grows. These are black market operations that come with unregulated pesticides, contaminated waterways, guns, criminal networks, and environmental destruction.”

The illegal operations that involve criminal networks endanger communities, contaminate waterways, and destroy the environment, the sheriff’s office reported.

“This is about more than marijuana,” the sheriff’s office added. “It’s about protecting our people and our communities.”

Sheriff Jeremy Briese said he was proud of the team’s work.

“When you peel back the layers of these operations, you’re not just dealing with illegal plants, you’re uncovering networks of crime that have no regard for safety, the environment, or the law,” he said in a statement.

Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the July 27 arrest.

Mariposa County sheriff’s deputies reported July 22 that they raided two illegal grow sites in the Greeley Hill area of the county.

Deputies discovered about 3,600 marijuana plants at the locations.

Deputies discovered an illegal marijuana growing site at a home in Ceres, Calif., on July 27, 2025. Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

At one site, deputies also recovered a stolen utility vehicle and arrested a Modesto woman who was squatting at the residence, the sheriff’s office reported.

The woman was booked for possession of stolen property and squatting.

Deputies also arrested a Stanislaus County man suspected of cultivating the illegal marijuana, the sheriff’s department reported.

Deputies raid an illegal marijuana farm in July 2025. Mariposa County Sheriff's Office

The sites were full of garbage, authorities said. They also found heavy equipment used to dig massive holes. The purpose of the holes was unclear.

These types of illegal marijuana grows can pollute forests and waterways, according to the sheriff’s office.