NSIB Arrests 3 with Assault Rifle in Pot Grow

 Detectives with the Napa Special Investigations Bureau arrested three men during a followup visit to a clandestine marijuana growing operation in the area of North Fork Crystal Springs Road, between Saint Helena and Angwin, on Tuesday, July 9.

The marijuana growing operation was spotted during an earlier aerial reconnaissance overflight, said NSIB Lt. Gary Pitkin.

As NSIB detectives made their way into the area on foot, they found three separate plots containing growing marijuana nestled among the trees in rugged terrain.

Detectives snuck into the area of the third plot and saw two suspects, 24 year-old Hilario Silva Guzman of Fairfield and 19-year-old Juan Daniel Silva of Suisun, tending to the plants and holding what appeared to be a rifle, Pitkin said.

As detectives scouted the area, they saw a third suspect, 29-year-old Rafael Jimenez Cardoza of Napa, near a tent not far from the grow.

NSIB detectives moved in and arrested one person. One suspect was taken into custody near the tent while the other two fled on foot.

 Detectives quickly captured the other two suspects in the area. A search of the immediate area yielded an assault rifle and a ballistic vest (body armor).

Detectives eradicated approximately 150 marijuana plants in various stages of vegetative growth. Some of the marijuana had already been harvested and was in the process of being dried.

Detectives booked all three suspects into the Napa County Department of Corrections on their respective charges:

All three men were arrested on suspicion of the same charges: cultivation of marijuana, conspiracy, armed in commission of a felony, and possession of an assault weapon.

Residents are encouraged to call NSIB with information or complaints related to illicit drug use, sales, cultivation, or manufacturing at 253-4458 or our NSIB Drug Hotline at 224-DRUG (3784). Callers can remain anonymous.