Hundreds of marijuana plants seized, arrest made in Los Banos

Three narcotics search warrants this month led to a marijuana grow house drug bust and a gun arrest.

According to a Los Banos Police Department news release, the department and agents with the Merced Area Gang Narcotic Enforcement Team on May 5 served narcotics search warrants at a home in the 100 block of North Santa Ana Street, and another residence at the 500 block of Cedarwood Court.

The searches revealed a total of 624 marijuana plants and 228 grams of processed marijuana, which were seized, the release states. The homes also had illegal electrical bypasses.

Following another narcotics search warrant on May 12 at a home in the 300 block of G Street, Los Banos resident Hugo John Garay, 34, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, concentrated cannabis and a controlled substance while in possession of a loaded firearm, according to the release.

Garay was also arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance, being felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Officers serving the warrant seized suspected heroine, a handgun and suspected concentrated cannabis from the residence.

Garay was currently in custody on $250,000 bail, as of Friday afternoon, the release states.

Los Banos Police Commander Ray Reyna said Friday authorities were still investigating whether there are any links between the three homes searched.

According to Merced County Superior Court records, Garay pleaded not guilty the the weapons, ammunition and manufacturing charges during his arraignment May 16.

Citizens are encouraged to leave anonymous crime tips at 209-827-7070, extension 288. Anonymous tips can also be left at www.losbanos.org or www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org.

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Hundreds of marijuana plants seized, arrest made in Los Banos."