Narcotics detectives were tipped off to a parcel of marijuana that was being shipped to New York, authorities said, and ultimately served search warrants at homes in Montecito, Summerland and Goleta.
“During the searches, over 400 active marijuana plants were located in sophisticated indoor and outdoor marijuana gardens,” Sheriff’s Spokesman Drew Sugars said in a news release. “Additionally, detectives seized 5 pounds of processed marijuana, with a street value of $20,000; 4 grams of cocaine, with a street value of $400; a usable amount of psilocybin, several ecstasy pills and approximately $18,000 in cash.”
Detectives took Misha Aaron Ford, 35, of Summerland, into custody in lieu of $30,000 bail for cultivation, possession and transportation of marijuana, as well as possession of cocaine and ecstasy, authorities said.
Sheriff’s officials also cited and released two other suspects, in addition to submitted recommended charges to the District Attorney’s Office.
Donald Bullick, 60, of Montecito, faces charges of conspiracy, cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and possession of psilocybin.
Daniel Shapiro, 69, of Goleta, is facing prosecution for conspiracy and cultivation, possession and transportation of marijuana.
“Evidence located at the residences showed that all three suspects were illegally cultivating and selling the marijuana outside the scope of Proposition 215,” Sugars said, referring to the state’s exemption for medical marijuana. “During the month-long operation, Ford sold marijuana openly in the presence of an undercover officer. Additionally, Ford and Shapiro were shipping pounds of the processed marijuana to the East Coast, including New York and New Jersey.”
He said the estimated value of the marijuana plants seized during the searches is $800,000. Authorities searched residences in the 2100 block of E. Valley Road, the 100 block of Valencia Road, and the 100 block of Verona Avenue.