Over 7K marijuana plants seized after 3-hour standoff
Eight people were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday after the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department served several search warrants that lead to the discovery of multiple large-scale outdoor marijuana grows that weren’t in compliance with California medical marijuana laws.
There were 24 suspected identified by investigators but only 8 of them were taken into custody after a nearly 3-hour standoff in Newberry Springs. Deputies said the suspects barricaded themselves inside a home located at 41227 Silver Valley Road.
SWAT was called to assist and all eight of the suspects were arrested without incident.
According to the release, many of the suspects were using fake medical marijuana recommendations in effort to trick authorities into thinking the grow operations were legal. San Bernardino County also has an ordinance prohibiting outdoor marijuana cultivations.
Authorities seized over 7,300 marijuana plants and close to 50 lbs. of processed marijuana over the two-day investigation, which included serving seven search warrants at multiple residences.
Search warrants served on May 26:
47880 Bedford Road, Newberry Springs – 362 marijuana plants seized. Dang Xaiyasone, age 57, (Newberry Springs), Long Thay Kang, age 40, (San Diego), Chanda Kang, age 45, (Porterville), & Bounleng Rattanavong, age 60, (Fresno). Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review.
44531 Tioga Road, Newberry Springs – 450 marijuana plants, processed marijuana and cash seized. Jaslene Vongphakdy, age 32, (Newberry Springs), Jacob Fincher, age 28, (Newberry Springs), Bounthang Vongphakdy, age 56, (Newberry Springs), Pheng Phimmasene, age 57, (Newberry Springs). Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review.
44579 Temescal Street, Newberry Springs – 636 marijuana plants seized. Khansone Naphakdy, age 64, (Fresno). Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana.
Search warrants served May 27:
34962 Condor Road, Newberry Springs – 1,415 marijuana plants seized. Nourak Nou Kayavongsa, age 55, (Porterville), Khamphong Xaypanya, age 61, (Fresno), Jeff Chay Khamsomphou, age 49, (Newberry Springs) & Thana Koumliene, age 50, (Fresno). Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review.
(The 8 people arrested) 41227 Silver Valley Road, Newberry Springs – 3,110 marijuana plants and 50 pounds of marijuana seized. Jerrold Bahn, age 28, (Newberry Springs), Malayphone Koulavongsa, age 34, (Las Vegas), Hunter Hayden, age 21, (Las Vegas), Souk Polsena, age 29, (Fresno), Bounleuth Sinsarady, age 40, (Las Vegas), Asdawut Yatprachum, age 27, (Las Vegas), Pang Koulavongsa, age 35, (Las Vegas), & Keo Souvannasane, age 40, (Las Vegas). Arrested and Charged with Cultivation of Marijuana / Possession for Sales of Marijuana / Transportation and Furnishing of Marijuana / Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (aforementioned offenses)
1173 Silver Valley Road, Newberry Springs – 912 marijuana plants seized. Suspect identification pending. Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review.
41129 Silver Valley Road, Newberry Springs – 483 marijuana plants seized. Thongham Kettavong, age 52, (Newberry Springs) & Phetsomphou Kettavong, age 51, (Newberry Springs). Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review.
Deputies warn that anyone found to be violating state marijuana laws and county ordinances, or utilizing medical marijuana recommendations under false pretenses, are subject to fines, prosecution and seizure of property.
If you have information regarding this investigation or other illegal cultivation locations is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gang / Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840. You can also report an anonymous tip to the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).
