LUCERNE VALLEY – (INT) – Some pot growers believe that the legalized use of recreational marijuana gives them the right to grow unlimited amounts. A few have started cultivations in the desert and find themselves at the opposite end of the law.

San Bernardino County ordinances prohibit commercial cannabis-growing operations.

The sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team served four search warrants at locations around Lucerne Valley. Over 3,700 marijuana plants and over 200 pounds of processed cannabis were seized. Investigators don’t believe the operations were linked.

Three suspects were identified in one of the cultivations. They are Robert Flood, 61, of Lucerne Valley, Patricio Ruiz, 41, and Rafael Sanabria, 37, both of Los Angeles County.

Story Date: January 17, 2018