On Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, at 8:52 am, Turlock Police investigators arrived at 318 N Thor St, Turlock, to serve a search warrant.

The search warrant had been obtained after investigators learned of a possible illegal cannabis grow inside the commercial structure.

During the afternoon hours of Sunday, July 16th, the Turlock Fire Department had responded to a fire next door to the structure where a shed, fence, and some grass had caught fire with downed power lines nearby.

While firefighters were on scene, they detected a strong odor of what they believed to be marijuana coming from the building. Officers responded and agreed.

Working with the Turlock Irrigation District, investigators formed the belief that the fire had likely been caused by an overloaded main circuit shared between the two buildings, consistent with what a cannabis grow could cause.

Investigators began the service of their warrant and discovered over 350 mature marijuana plants inside, estimated to weigh over 500 lbs.

Preliminary information indicates that the cultivation operation is likely tied to black-market cannabis being grown for unknown dispensaries.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Investigator Joseph Ramos at 209-668-6564.