Police raid ‘heavily fortified’ Brentwood home, seize 1,888 marijuana plants, firearm

BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA — California Department of Cannabis Control officers raided a “heavily fortified” home in a quiet suburb here, seizing nearly 2,000 cannabis plants and a gun, according to authorities.

The Aug. 2 raid netted 1,888 marijuana plants, $22,300 in cash, and a loaded pistol discovered directly behind the residence, on a sidewalk frequented by children, according to authorities. Authorities said a 36-year-old man arrested during the raid admitted to throwing the gun when he saw police arrive.

The search was conducted in the 1600 block of Edera Place.

Authorities said the home, a lavish 3,600-square-foot property with six bedrooms and four bathrooms, had been retrofitted for cannabis growth and security. All of the windows, doors, and garage entrances had thick steel bars lag bolted to them or were protected by large wooden beams. According to police, the occupant did not immediately leave the residence, but when he did, he was apprehended without resistance. The pistol, which had its serial number scratched off, was discovered by an area resident while walking his dog, according to authorities.

Authorities said that during an interview, the 36-year-old man admitted to running the cannabis cultivation operation for a person who paid him $5,000 per month and that he threw the gun over his backyard fence so the cops wouldn’t find it. According to court records, he was arrested on suspicion of running a drug house and possessing an unregistered firearm.