Four suspects were arrested after authorities discovered large-scale illegal marijuana operations in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
The suspects were identified as:
- Brent Kennedy, 34, Simi Valley
- Jason Zhikarev, 34, Simi Valley
- Jake Burton, 38, Santa Clarita
- Reece Clark, 54, Acton
In November 2024, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office began investigating reports of a multi-residential marijuana growing operation located in homes across Simi Valley, Los Angeles, Santa Clarita and Acton.
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A collection of firearms, psilocybin mushrooms and more were found after four suspects were arrested in connection with a large-scale illegal marijuana growing operation found in homes across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. (Ventura County Sheriff’s Office) -
Four suspects were arrested after authorities discovered a large-scale illegal marijuana growing operation in homes across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. (Ventura County Sheriff’s Office)
On Feb. 20, search warrants were served at each suspect’s home, along with two other residences associated with the group’s operation.
At each property, a large amount of marijuana plants were found. Rooms were converted into controlled environments for growing and harvesting the plants and included “intricate timing, lighting, irrigation and fertilization mechanisms,” officials said.
In total, authorities seized:
- Over 1,700 actively growing plants
- Over 45 pounds of processed marijuana
- 26 firearms
- 7 ounces of concentrated cannabis
- Over 300 opiate pills
- 6 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms
- A large amount of U.S. currency believed to be illicit drug proceeds
All four suspects were arrested on various narcotic, cultivation, conspiracy and weapons charges. Kennedy posted $20,000 bail, while Clark, Zhikarev and Burton posted $50,000 bail. A court hearing has been scheduled for March 6.
No further details were released as the case remains under investigation.
