Recorder Staff Report
Searches: Value of seized drugs pegged at $25k.
Police seized an estimated $25,500 of marijuana Wednesday in two separate investigations. The largest seizure of marijuana came as police served a search warrant at a home at 17920 Road 220 in Porterville.
Investigators located what was described as an elaborate indoor marijuana operation in a barn on the property, according to a news release from the Porterville Police Department. More than 10 pounds of high-grade marijuana was found growing in the barn along with evidence that marijuana grown at that location had been mailed out of state, police report.
The marijuana was reportedly packaged for sales and had an estimated street value of $25,000. Three firearms were also reported seized from the property. Police initially detained two subjects contacted at the scene. After questioning, one was released.
Gary Parker, 60, was arrested and booked at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department on suspicion of selling, transporting, possession and cultivation of marijuana; and possession of firearms during the commission of a felony. Parker was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
In the second bust, investigators are asking for help in locating a man wanted in connection with three indoor marijuana operations. Around 2 p.m., Porterville police detectives with the Special Investigations Unit served a search warrant at a home in the 200 block of North Conley Street. Detectives located an elaborate indoor marijuana cultivation operation, according to a news release from police. Police also reportedly found about 250 grams of marijuana packaged for sales. The value of the marijuana was estimated at $500.
Investigators had also obtained an arrest warrant for Garrick Wayne Turner, 28, for suspicion of possession, cultivation and transportation of marijuana as well as conspiracy to commit a felony. Turner had not been located and was wanted for his suspected involvement in this case as well as in connection with two additional indoor marijuana cultivation cases.
Anyone with information on Turner’s whereabouts is encouraged to call Detective Dominic Barteau or Sgt. Jake Castellow at 782-7400.
