DELHI — An indoor marijuana-growing operation, including 1,000 plants, a large amount of cash, firearms and several pounds of processed marijuana, was seized Friday in Delhi, the Merced County Sheriff's Department reported Sunday.

The discovery came after an ongoing investigation into narcotics in the Delhi area, according to a Sheriff's Department news release.

The Sheriff's Tactical and Reconnaissance Team served a search warrant at 3 p.m. Friday in the 17000 block of Schendel Avenue in Delhi, according to deputies.

Inside, officers found the plants, cash and weapons, including two handguns, deputies said.

There were 10 people at the residence during the search, including two young children, deputies said. Residents claimed the pot was for medicinal use, but only one had a medical marijuana card. No one was arrested.

In light of the Compassionate Use Act, the STAR Team will discuss its findings with the Merced County district attorney's office to determine if criminal charges will be filed against the property owners.

The act ensures that the seriously ill in the state can obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes when recommended by a physician, according to the California Department of Public Health.

On Thursday, the STAR Team served a search warrant in the 16000 block of Schendel Avenue, near Schendel Elementary School. Deputies said 200 marijuana plants and 20 pounds of processed marijuana were found there in a sophisticated indoor grow.

A loaded handgun and military-style body armor also were found, deputies said.

No one was found on the property during Thursday's search, deputies said. It's unknown if the grows are related.