A tip from a concerned citizen led authorities to a marijuana-growing operation Thursday afternoon in the 1200 Block of 31st Avenue in San Mateo.
According to San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force Commander Marc K. Alcantara, agents seized over 530 marijuana plants in various stages of growth. Alcantara estimates the potential street value of the marijuana plants at approximately $400,000.
A single family residence, located in a relatively quiet neighborhood, was being utilized to conceal the illegal indoor marijuana growing operation.
Agents from SMCNTF, with help from the San Mateo Police department, executed a search warrant during the afternoon.
One suspect, 49-year-old Yin Tang, was arrested at the residence on charges associated with the cultivation of marijuana. Tang is currently in custody at the Maguire Correctional facility. His arraignment is scheduled for March 12 at 1:30 pm in San Mateo County Northern Superior Court.
He is being charged with marijuana cultivation, and bail has been set at $15,000.
Alcantara believes the discovered marijuana cultivating operation was a strictly for-profit business that has no known ties to the medical marijuana industry.
To date, the Task Force says it has seized over 3500 plants and 19 pounds of processed marijuana from 5 grow locations in the county.
The investigation into the operation remains active, and agents are still actively gathering and analyzing evidence that may result in additional charges and/or the identification of co-conspirators.
