Police investigating Milpitas burglary uncover illegal marijuana grow house

(KRON) — Five people were arrested earlier this month after the Milpitas Police Department was alerted to an illegal marijuana grow house. The unintentional tipsters, according to police, were a trio of burglars who were targeting the stash but accidentally broke into the business next door.

The burglary unfolded on Aug. 2 around 3:12 a.m. near the 300 block of Turquoise Street. Three suspects were attempting to break into the marijuana grow house when they entered the adjacent business, Milpitas PD said. The burglars instead stole cash from that business’ register and fled the scene.

Days later, on Aug. 7, Milpitas detectives executed a search warrant at the burglars’ intended target and discovered a large-scale illegal grow operation “in the process of being dismantled,” police said. Authorities seized over 800 marijuana plants, cash, cultivation equipment and hazardous chemicals.

Five suspects connected to the grow house were arrested to face charges for the sale and transportation of marijuana, operating a drug house, forging drug prescriptions and conspiracy. Police did not release their identities.

No arrests were announced in the initial burglary.