Six Helendale Residents Arrested for Operating Outdoor Marijuana Cultivations

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HELENDALE – Over 9100 marijuana plants and 32 pounds were located on Monday, July 16, 2018, and Tuesday, July 17, 2018, in Helendale.

The enforcement headed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – Marijuana Enforcement Team investigators began at around 7:00 a.m. both days in the unincorporated community. Of the six outdoor marijuana cultivations found, 1254 plants and 29.4 pounds of processed marijuana were found in the 48200 block of Indian Trail. Also at the location, two pistols were seized. Kenneth Chong, 66, and Heidi Chong, 63, both of Helendale were arrested. At the second location, in the 17500 block of Santa Fe Trail, 807 plants, three pounds of processed marijuana, and one pistol was seized. Thomas Ryan, 78, of Helendale was arrested as a result of the investigation at the second location. At the third location located in the 30400 block of Mohave Trail, 4698 plants were seized. No suspects have been identified at this time. The fourth location in the 29400 block of Corral Road, 1643 plants were seized and no suspects have been identified. At the fifth location in the 19800 block of Mustang Trail 504 plants were seized, and Jose Marrero, 42, of Helendale was arrested. At the sixth location in the 28300 block of Rodeo Road, 277 plants, one shotgun, and two rifles were seized. Jose Astudillo and Lydia Astudillo, both 54, of Helendale were arrested.

Authorities do not believe any of the six locations are linked. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s officials remind residents that property owners who are growing marijuana or are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their properties, in violation of the state law and local ordinances may also be subject to civil or criminal sanctions. Property owners are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement or code compliance agency to confirm if cultivating cannabis is prohibited or allowed under specific regulations.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations or is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909)387-8400 or NARC-MET@sbcsd.org. 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.