Two men face felony drug charges after a three-week investigation led authorities to an illegal marijuana-growing operation at a home off Road 26 in northern Madera County.
Southone Xayabout, 41, and Vanphachay Chanthachone, 46, were arrested Tuesday and charged with marijuana cultivation, drug trafficking and conspiracy after Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team (MADNET) agents searched the home, said Madera Sheriff’s spokeswoman Erica Stuart.
Agents seized 192 marijuana plants — 123 that were found inside the house and 69 growing outside — along with 60 pounds of processed marijuana, Stuart said.
MADNET agents believe the illegal operation has been in place for at least four months; 150 empty grow holes indicate a prior cultivation and harvest cycle, Stuart said...