Illegal pot grow in Calaveras County nets 7,700 pounds of marijuana, 23 arrests

CALAVERAS COUNTY (KGO) -- Calaveras County sheriff's deputies have arrested 23 people in connection with an illegal pot grow that netted more than three tons of marijuana.

Deputies seized 7,700 pounds of marijuana and other substances on Oct. 25 during a warrant search from three separate addresses in West Point, California. The cache has an estimated value of $8 million.

Investigators found 1,000 to 1,500 pounds of marijuana ready for sale and several hundred pounds were discovered that were already packaged and ready to ship. At least 1,048 plants were destroyed and just under $13,000 was seized as evidence.

Several hundred harvested plants that had been discarded were also found down an embankment.

Several structures were built to store and process marijuana. Inside of those locations were additional large amounts of marijuana in various stages of being processed.

The deputies also discovered significant environmental issues at the grow.

All 23 people were arrested in connection with the illegal marijuana grow. Authorities also seized two firearms at one location.

The case is still under investigation.