CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The service of a search warrant by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force has resulted in two arrests and the seizure of approximately 100 pounds of processed marijuana.
Detectives arrested 52-year-old Agustin Padilla Ochoa and Ulises Sanavia, 32, both of Clearlake, according to Lt. Steve Brooks of the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Brooks said narcotics detectives secured a search warrant on Jan. 16 for a residence and property located in the 14000 block of Palmer Avenue in Clearlake.
At 6:30 p.m. the following day the detectives served the warrant at the residence, Brooks said.
As detectives approached the residence they could see two adult males in the living room. When the detectives announced their presence and the fact they had a search warrant, both subjects ran toward the back of the residence and out the back door, according to Brooks.
The two men were detained as they attempted to flee the property. Brooks said they were identified as Ochoa and Sanavia.
During the search detectives located several large black garbage bags in the kitchen area, all containing packaged processed marijuana, Brooks said. Each package was consistent in size and appeared to contain 1 pound of marijuana.
In the living room detectives located a black duffel bag, which also contained packaged processed marijuana. Brooks said the detectives also located digital scales and equipment used for marijuana cultivation.
Brooks said Ochoa told detectives he lives a few streets over and only 5 pounds of the marijuana belonged to him. He brought the marijuana to Sanavia’s residence, because a subject named “Jose” was going to purchase the marijuana from him for $1,100 a pound.
Ochoa said he has a medical marijuana recommendation. He also said he knew it was illegal to sell the marijuana and that is why he became scared and attempted to run, according to Brooks.
Sanavia told detectives that all of the processed marijuana located inside the residence came from plants he grew. He explained that he does not smoke the marijuana; he uses approximately 2 pounds of the marijuana to rub on his body each time he takes a shower, Brooks said.
Sanavia admitted to not having a medical marijuana recommendation. Brooks said Sanavia denied the statements Ochoa made regarding the sale of marijuana, and told detectives that he pays Ochoa $500 a month to live at the residence.
There were a total of 83 individual bags of processed marijuana seized, which had a gross weight of 96.6 pounds, Brooks said.
Brooks said both Ochoa and Sanavia were arrested for the possession of marijuana for sale and resisting arrest. They were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.
Sanavia remained in custody on Wednesday due to an immigration hold. Ochoa posted the required percentage of his $15,000 and was released, according to jail records.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.