78-year-old cited after $2.3 million worth of pot found on Squaw Valley property, sheriff says

The Fresno County Sheriffs’ Office says it cited a 78-year-old Squaw Valley man on Friday after detectives found $2.3 million worth of illegal marijuana growing on his property.

Detectives serving a search warrant in the 3400 block of Bronco Lane found a “sophisticated” indoor farm in several buildings on the property, according to the sheriff’s office. Detectives also found a handgun, cash and 10 pounds of processed marijuana.

Also found was Carbofuran, a toxic and fatal pesticide that is banned in the U.S., the sheriff’s office said. It is known for killing wildlife and causing severe damage to the environment.

Charles Cooper, the owner of the home, was issued a citation on suspicion of marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.

The 2,300 plants were taken from the buildings and destroyed, the sheriff’s office said.

This story was originally published February 14, 2020 at 6:17 PM with the headline "78-year-old cited after $2.3 million worth of pot found on Squaw Valley property, sheriff says."