WILDOMAR, Calif. — A 74-year-old Wildomar man was arrested after authorities discovered a large illegal marijuana cultivation site in Riverside County.
The suspect, Guofo Chen, was taken into custody following an investigation by deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station.
In January, authorities began looking into reports of a potential marijuana grow operation at a residence on the 35000 block of Amatista Avenue. On February 5, deputies served a search warrant and found approximately 1,050 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.
Officials noted that the home’s electrical system had been illegally modified, creating a significant fire hazard. According to Southern California Edison, the alterations resulted in over $60,000 in stolen utilities. The property was deemed uninhabitable, and electrical service was disconnected.
Chen was arrested on charges of illegal marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana for sale, and felony utility theft, and was booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
No further details have been released as the investigation continues.
