DATE/TIME:  Tuesday, May 26, 2015 and Wednesday, May 27, 2015

INCIDENT:  Search Warrants - Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation

LOCATION:  Unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County

SUSPECTS:  "See below for additional information"

VICTIM:  State of California

    Over a two day period, members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Marijuana Enforcement Team conducted investigations resulting in the service of seven search warrants at residential properties in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, to include the community of Newberry Springs  The locations were found to have large-scale outdoor marijuana cultivations occurring on the properties.  The investigations revealed all of the marijuana cultivation operations were illegal and not in compliance with California medical marijuana laws and/or the County of San Bernardino ordinance regulating marijuana cultivation.

    The investigations resulted in total seizures of over 7,300 marijuana plants and approximately 50 pounds of processed marijuana.  Most of the suspects were contacted, interviewed and released at the scene.  Of the 24 suspects identified by investigators only eight were taken into custody after nearly a 3-hour stand-off at the residence located at 41227 Silver Valley Road.  The suspects barricaded themselves inside the residence and refused to come out.  Numerous requests were made by investigators at the scene but they were unsuccessful.  Members of the Sheriff's Special Enforcement Division (SWAT) were requested to assist with the safe removal and arrest of the suspects from the residence.  All eight suspects were taken into custody without incident.

    The large amount of marijuana seized at the individual locations suggests the suspects had no intention of abiding by California's medical marijuana laws or the County Ordinance.  Many of the suspects were utilizing fictitious medical marijuana recommendations in an effort to deceive law enforcement personnel into thinking the operations were legitimate.

    The County of San Bernardino has an ordinance prohibiting outdoor marijuana cultivations.  San Bernardino County Code Enforcement personnel assisted with the cultivation investigations for administrative enforcement of County Code violations.  The Sheriff's Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California marijuana laws as well as the San Bernardino County Ordinances regarding marijuana cultivation and distribution.  Persons found to be violating state marijuana laws and county ordinances or utilizing medical marijuana recommendations under false pretenses are subject to fines, prosecution and seizure of property.

Search warrants served May 26, 2015

47880 Bedford Road, Newberry Springs
362 marijuana plants
Dang Xaiyasone, age 57, (Newberry Springs), Long Thay Kang, age 40, (San Diego), Chanda Kang, age 45, (Porterville), & Bounleng Rattanavong, age 60, (Fresno)
Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review.

44531 Tioga Road, Newberry Springs
450 marijuana plants, processed marijuana and cash seized
Jaslene Vongphakdy, age 32, (Newberry Springs), Jacob Fincher, age 28, (Newberry Springs), Bounthang Vongphakdy, age 56, (Newberry Springs), Pheng Phimmasene, age 57, (Newberry Springs)
Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review

44579 Temescal Street, Newberry Springs
636 marijuana plants seized
Khansone Naphakdy, age 64, (Fresno)
Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana

Search warrants served May 27, 2015

34962 Condor Road, Newberry Springs
1,415 marijuana plants seized
Nourak Nou Kayavongsa, age 55, (Porterville), Khamphong Xaypanya, age 61, (Fresno), Jeff Chay Khamsomphou, age 49, (Newberry Springs) & Thana Koumliene, age 50, (Fresno)
Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review.

41227 Silver Valley Road, Newberry Springs
3,110 marijuana plants and 50 pounds of marijuana seized
Jerrold Bahn, age 28, (Newberry Springs), Malayphone Koulavongsa, age 34, (Las Vegas), Hunter Hayden, age 21, (Las Vegas), Souk Polsena, age 29, (Fresno), Bounleuth Sinsarady, age 40, (Las Vegas), Asdawut Yatprachum, age 27, (Las Vegas), Pang Koulavongsa, age 35, (Las Vegas), & Keo Souvannasane, age 40, (Las Vegas)
Arrested and Charged with Cultivation of Marijuana / Possession for Sales of Marijuana / Transportation and Furnishing of Marijuana / Conspiracy to Commit a Crime (aforementioned offenses)

41173 Silver Valley Road, Newberry Springs
912 marijuana plants
Suspect identification pending
Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review

41129 Silver Valley Road, Newberry Springs
483 marijuana plants
Thongham Kettavong, age 52, (Newberry Springs) & Phetsomphou Kettavong, age 51, (Newberry Springs)
Charges of Cultivation of Marijuana under review

Anyone with information regarding the above investigations or other illegal cultivation locations is urged to contact the Sheriff's Gang / Narcotics Division at (909)890-4840.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sheriff's Public Affairs
Phone No. (909) 387-3700
John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department