Arrests in $2.5M "Pot Farm" Raid in Diamond Bar
Two men were arrested Wednesday in connection with a pot farm at a home in Diamond Bar
A deputy carries marijuana in a bin down the stairs of a Diamond Bar home after a raid of an indoor pot farm on Oct. 10, 2012.
Deputies seized $2.5 million in marijuana from a "pot farm" in a home in Diamond Bar that officials believe is the work of two men arrested just last week in connection with three similar operations, officials said Thursday.
Deputies uncovered nearly 1,000 marijuana plants while serving a search warrant Wednesday at a house in the 21000 block of Malad Court, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
On Oct. 3, authorities arrested Binh Ly, 43, of Rosemead and Thanh Chiem, 45, of San Jose and seized more than 2,000 marijuana plants -- along with 20 pounds of "finished product" -- with an estimated value of $6 million, according to the sheriff's department.
Ly and Chiem were booked last week on suspicion of drug offenses, according to sheriff's officials.
Ly was released on Oct. 5 after posting $100,000 bail, according to sheriff's online booking records.
Chiem, a native of Vietnam, was being detained by agents for possible immigration violations.
Officials originally announced both men were being held in lieu of $170,000 bail. They were arrested after search warrants were served at two homes in Diamond Bar and one in Hacienda Heights.
Southern California Edison estimates electricity worth around $5,000 was stolen to power the marijuana-growing operation, sheriff's officials said.
Investigators believe the suspects used someone else's identity to rent the homes, paying $2,000 in cash a month, said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Jim McGee.
Detectives warned residents to be aware of who they're renting their homes to.
Sheriff's investigators believe grow houses had been in operation for about six months based on the varying growth of the marijuana plants.
In the four homes with established grow houses, deputies found the plants plus water filtration systems, filters, and fans.
Anyone with more information about the case was urged to call the Sheriff's Narcotics Bureau, (323) 623-3590, or Crime Stoppers, (800) 222-TIPS.
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