Undercover investigation led to Bassett marijuana grow bust

BASSETT -- The discovery of 1,900 marijuana plants found growing in three commercial buildings earlier this week was the result of a month-long undercover operation, officials said. 

Theodoro Castro, 35, of Rowland Heights, Colby Kelly, 38, of Santa Ana, Alfred Serrato, 39, of Tustin and Brandon Roberto, 26, of Aliso Viejo were all booked on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana following Wednesday's 10:30 a.m. raid in the 100 block of 8th Avenue in Bassett, Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Michael Parker said in a written statement.

The pot plants -- valued at about $2 million -- were in various stages of growth and spread out in three small commercial buildings, investigators said.

"The service of the search warrant stemmed from information gathered following a four week-long undercover operation," Parker said. "Suspicious activity at the location led Special Assignment Team deputies to secure search warrants for three small warehouses at the location each containing a marijuana grow."

According to sheriff's booking records, all four suspects had been released from jail on bail as of Friday.

The Bassett marijuana growing operation was not believed to be connected to two others also discovered by sheriff's officials in Alhambra and San Gabriel Wednesday, sheriff's Sgt. Steve Kim said.

In that case, a man and woman were arrested in connection with marijuana gardens in a commercial building in Alhambra, as well as a condominium in San Gabriel.

PHOTO courtesy of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department