The Amador County Narcotics Enforcement Team, or ACCNET, has just released the details on a major drug bust occurring near Amador City. On June 12, ACCNET agents were conducting reconnaissance of a possible clandestine commercial marijuana cultivation operation located on Amador Creek, west of Highway 49. After confirming the presence of the marijuana cultivation site, the agents observed a male subject within a camp associated with the site. After conducting surveillance of the subject, he was detained and subsequently arrested. Upon conducting an immediate check of the camp, firearm ammunition was located, as was evidence indicating the possibility of additional suspects in the area.

Based upon the totality of the circumstances, ACCNET requested the Amador County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team respond to clear the marijuana cultivation site for any additional suspects.  A subsequent search revealed no other suspects located in the area, but did lead to the discovery of 2,872 marijuana plants. Arrested at the scene was Miguel Martinez, 20, of Tijuana, Mexico. Through use of a translator, Martinez told law enforcement that he was brought into the United States via San Diego and then transported to Amador County to tend the marijuana cultivation site.  Martinez reported that he was alone at the site and had been tending the marijuana for approximately two weeks. marijuana cultivation site.  Martinez reported that he was alone at the site and had been tending the marijuana for approximately two weeks.