VCSD deputies arrested Rigoberto Mondragon, 23, and Valentin Cruz, 49, on suspicion of cultivating marijuana. They later arrested Felipe Estrella Cervantez, 29, who deputies had observed driving in the area after later finding evidence that implicated involvement with the marijuana plantation.At this time investigators do not think the property owner was aware of what was occurring. An estimated street value of the marijuana - which authorities destroyed on scene - was not available.Mondragon, Cruz and Cervantes were lodged in Ventura County Jail.
Somis men suspected of ‘farming’ marijuana in Santa Clara River bottom
May 13, 2009
Santa Paula News
Three Somis men who were farming just east of Santa Paula were arrested Thursday on suspicion of maintaining a large marijuana plantation along the Santa Clara River bottom.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThree Somis men who were farming just east of Santa Paula were arrested Thursday on suspicion of maintaining a large marijuana plantation along the Santa Clara River bottom.A Ventura County Sheriff’s Department statement said the plantation of 1,657 plants was about 300 yards from South Mountain Road. The location in an unincorporated area of the county has a thick overgrowth of high Arundo donax that masked the location.
