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Authorities arrest 12 for marijuana cultivation; group said to be part of drug trafficking organization
LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The service of multiple search warrants by the Lake County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit has resulted in 12 arrests and the seizure of 1,787 marijuana plants from both Lake and Lassen counties.
The suspects arrested were identified as being members of a drug trafficking organization, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
On Aug. 23, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit was assisted by the National Guard with the execution of a search warrant on two adjacent land parcels in the 8000 block of Rock Creek Road in Lower Lake, Brooks said.
Brooks said that one subject fled the scene, but was quickly apprehended and identified as 50-year-old Bill Lee of Fresno.
Detectives also located and detained 38-year-old Zia Her, 58-year-old Yia Thao, 28-year-old Tou Vang, 57-year-old Yee Vang and 46-year-old Ariya Yang, all of Fresno, Brooks said.
During a search of the two properties, detectives located numerous newly constructed makeshift wooden huts constructed along the banks of Rocky Creek, according to Brooks. Each of the huts was associated with an outdoor marijuana cultivation site.
Brooks said detectives seized 666 large outdoor marijuana plants growing near the creek and arrested the six subjects, all of whom were arrested for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. They were transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked.
Detectives determined Bill Lee owned two large land parcels in a remote area of Lassen County. Brooks said the two parcels border public lands which are patrolled by the Bureau of Land Management. With assistance from BLM, detectives confirmed outdoor marijuana was also being cultivated on those properties.
On Sept. 1, the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit was assisted by personnel from Lassen County Sheriff’s Department, California Department of Justice, Bureau of Land Management, California Fish and Wildlife and United States Forest Service with the service of a search warrant on the property, which Brooks said is approximately 40 miles north of Susanville.
During a search of the two land parcels, detectives located and seized 1,121 outdoor marijuana plants and a loaded rifle. Brooks said detectives also located an area of newly constructed huts and travel trailers on the two land parcels.
Detectives located and arrested six subjects who were identified as Fresno residents 66-year-old Xia Lee, 57-year-old Rocky Lee, 53-year-old Paul Yang, 21-year-old Loa Xiong and 69-year-old Shou Sue Lee, and 38-year-old Kevin Vue of Broken Park, Minn, Brooks reported.
Brooks said they whey were transported to the Lassen County Jail and booked for cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.
Anyone with information that can assist the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force in its efforts to eradicate narcotics from Lake County's communities and seize the suspected profits of drug trafficking for asset forfeiture is encouraged to call the anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.