RIVERSIDE COUNTY –  On January 13, 2021, personnel from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside County Code Enforcement, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Food and Agriculture served five marijuana cultivation related search warrants in the unincorporated county areas of Anza and Aguanga. During the service, approximately 6795 plants were eradicated, and 2244 pounds of processed marijuana was collected, for a total combined weight of approximately two and a half tons. Two firearms, (one assault rifle and one handgun), were collected for evidence.

The following suspects were arrested for illegal marijuana cultivation:

34-year-old Anza resident Edgar Mares

• Marlyn Liddle, 37, of Anza
• Pasith Khamphanh, 56, of Aguanga
• Samlith Linhthasack, 46, of Aguanga
• Bounma McKenyon, 53, of Aguanga
• Vang Phommachanh, 70, of Aguanga

“The illegal cultivation of marijuana often leads to crimes against the environment and can put neighboring property owners in danger,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “Local law enforcement departments are calling on state agencies to assist in serving search warrants in these cases because they are familiar with violations that lead to additional charges and penalties.”