The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is continuing the investigation into a marijuana grow operation in Diamond Bar and Hacienda Heights that netted two arrests and the seizure of $6 million worth of plants.
Arrested Wednesday were Binh Ly, a 43-year-old Rosemead resident, and Thanh Chiem, a 45-year-old man from San Jose, Calif., according to a news release.
Ly, who was being held on $100,000 bail, was released today and is expected to appear in court Friday morning, according to court records. Chiem, who remains in custody on $100,000 bail, also is set to appear in court Friday.
On Wednesday, three search warrants were conducted, two in Diamond Bar in the 23200 block of Forest Canyon Drive and the 20900 block of Running Branch Road and one in Hacienda Heights in the 17000 block of Glenfold Drive. During the investigation, the two suspects allegedly involved in the marijuana grows were nabbed inside the homes, authorities said.
More than 2,000 marijuana plants in various stages of grown were discovered, along with 20 pounds of finished product. Detectives also discovered that the suspects had stolen electricity from Southern California Edison. SCE is in the process of estimating the value of the stolen power.
The suspects were booked at Walnut Sheriff’s Station.
Sheriff’s detectives are seeking the public’s help in identifying any other possible victims and witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Jim McGee with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Bureau at 562-623-3590.
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