Four arrested in three marijuana raids in Los Banos

Law enforcement investigators are asking for the public’s help Tuesday in tracking down information about three marijuana grow operations that were discovered last week in Los Banos, resulting in the seizure of more than 1,000 marijuana plants.

Four people were arrested last week in connection with the investigation.

Agents with the Merced Area Gang/Narcotic Enforcement Team on Thursday searched a home in the 1700 block of Claremont Drive in southeast Los Banos. The team discovered “a large elaborate marijuana growing operation” on the second floor of the single-family home.

“Agents also discovered an illegal electrical bypass that the suspects installed below the meter in an effort to steal power,” police said in a news release. “Agents seized several hundred plants that were in various stages of growth, large industrial-style heat lamps and lights.”

Investigators also seized “large industrial fans, coolers and a filter system used to prevent the neighbors from smelling the fumes generated from the grow.”

Officers found about 574 plants in the house that had the potential of yielding more than 150 pounds of marijuana, with a reported estimated street value of several hundred thousand dollars, police said.

Alejandro Ramirez Lopez, 31, was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana and theft of utilities.

“Agents also discovered evidence in his vehicle associating him to a second address in Los Banos,” police said. “Agents believed that the address at 708 Mallard St. was also being used to cultivate marijuana.”

Agents obtained a search warrant for that location and discovered a second large growing operation. Investigators discovered 446 plants and an electrical bypass. Detectives also found evidence that led them to a house on Amelia Court, where they seized about $25,000 in cash and a Colt 45 semi-automatic handgun.

Police arrested Luis Enrique Mendoza, 23; Fernanda Maldonado, 24; and Edna Lozano Guzman, 32. All four were booked into the Merced County jail.

Agent Marcelino Cortez is following up on leads about others who may have been involved. Agents ask anyone with information to contact the MAGNET tip line at 800-470-8477. Tips are confidential, and callers can remain anonymous.

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Four arrested in three marijuana raids in Los Banos."