North Turlock home site of large scale marijuana cultivation

The newly formed narcotics unit at the Turlock Police department recorded their first major drug bust Friday by seizing more than $1 million in marijuana from a Turlock home.

Raid marks first major bust for new narcotics unit
The resident of the home, Michael Quintana, 34, was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on charges of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The Narcotics Enforcement Team served a search warrant at the residence in the 4000 block of St. Patrick Place shortly before 10 a.m. Friday. At the house they found several rooms converted into a "sophisticated" hydroponics system of lights and hoses, growing hundreds of marijuana plants, said Capt. Rob Jackson.

All total, the team recovered 391 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. The plants would have had an estimated street value of $1 million to $1.5 million once they reached maturity and were harvested.

In addition to the plants, officers found equipment used for packaging and sale of marijuana and a loaded handgun hidden in a trash can, Jackson said.

The house came under the eye of the narcotics team after they received tips about suspicious activity at the house.

Jackson said Quintana had moved into the house during the first part of this year.

The Narcotics Enforcement Team, made up of one sergeant and two officers has been active since late last year.

"This was their first major raid and they did a good job," Jackson said. "We're very happy to have them up and running and making an impact on the crime in Turlock."

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.

3/20/2009 11:54:00 PM

Raid marks first major bust for new narcotics unit