Location: Owen Avenue and Road 234, Ducor

Incident Date: 4/7/16

Incident Time: 0830 hours

Case Number: 16-60612

Victim: State of California

City: Ducor

Posted by: Media Relations

On 4/07/16, Detectives from the Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel (STEP) along with the assistance of the Narcotics Unit, served three Marijuana search warrants. The first warrant was served in the community of Ducor, and two in the community of Plainview.

These grows were discovered during follow up investigations and information gathered by Patrol Deputies. 

While on a probation contact, Detectives from the Gang Suppression Unit, discovered a make-shift marijuana grow in the Terra Bella area (Road 240 and Avenue 100). STEP Detectives responded to assist and during the search they discovered 324 plants and contacted one subject tending to the plants (Joel Molina). The subject was detained and discovered to have a firearm in his possession.  
 
During the operation, Detectives eradicated 914 marijuana plants.  If the marijuana plants would have been allowed to mature and yielded at a minimum one pound of processed marijuana, the estimated street value of the marijuana would be $914,000 dollars.

One subject was arrested and found to be illegally cultivating marijuana and in possession of marijuana for sales. A second subject was arrested for outstanding warrants. 

1.    Norma Navarro (36 YOA) 
2.    Joel Molina Calvario (27 YOA)

Questions regarding this and other details should be directed to the Employee and Public Relations Unit. They can be reached by calling 559-636-4695 or by emailing sheriffpio@co.tulare.ca.us.