PHELAN – (INT) – This High Desert community is the Inland Empire’s newest hot spot for those bent on illegally growing large amounts of marijuana.

Five search warrants served at four locations Thursday turned up more than 6,500 marijuana plants thriving in so-called green houses and 241 pounds of processed pot.

Law enforcement swooped down on the cultivations after getting numerous complaints.

Two residents of Phelan were arrested, Rangel Villareal, 32, and Jessica Calleros, age 31.

Sheriff’s investigators determined the cultivations were operating independently without criminal enterprise connections.

Story Date: February 28, 2021