Nearly 100 Marijuana Plants Eradicated in Multi-Agency Bust Near Ravendale

Agents from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Bureau of Land Management, the State Water Board and the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office executed a search warrant at a property in Painters Creek, near Ravendale on the morning of September 29th, according to details released by Lassen D.A. Stacey Montgomery.

Montgomery said the search warrant was obtained in regard to a large, illegal, outdoor marijuana-cultivation operation and ‘associated environmental damage’.

Agents contacted and detained John Xiong, aged 42, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Xiong, according to the press release, stated that he worked the property cultivating marijuana for Jim Vang, aged 39 of Fresno, California.

A warrant for arrest of the second suspect, Jim Vang, has been submitted for review by the Lassen County Superior Court.

“Over 98 actively growing marijuana plants, in various stages of growth, from 4’ – 5’ in height were photographed and documented as evidence and then eradicated,” said Montgomery.

Additional investigation produced evidence of $3,800 which was seized in accordance with State Asset Forfeiture guidelines.

CDFW Environmental staff and the State Water Board conducted an assessment of the land and documented illegal water diversion and streambed alteration as well the placement of litter within 150 feet of state waters.

John Xiong was transported to the Lassen County Adult Detention Facility and booked for illegal marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana for sale, conspiring to commit a felony, illegal diversion of water, streambed alteration and deposit of litter where it may pass into state waters. Jim Vang remains at large.