Authorities in San Joaquin County busted a drug house and illegal cannabis operation last week, according to the SJ County Sheriff’s Office. 

On Tuesday at about 9 p.m., a California Highway Patrol officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle, which led to two passengers fleeing on foot, the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office said. A search of the car allegedly uncovered between 10 and 15 bags of processed cannabis. 

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office checked the residence of the vehicle’s registered owner in Oakdale by E. Lone Tree and Victory roads. 

Once there, deputies allegedly observed various items linked to illegal drug activity, including drug paraphernalia, substances suspected to be narcotics, and other materials commonly associated with drug distribution, the Sheriff’s Office said.

While law enforcement was at the scene, one person fled while several others were detained inside the residence. 

A search warrant of the residence was approved and allegedly led to the discovery of about 3,800 pounds of processed cannabis, six assault rifles, three handguns and $25,000 in cash. 

Arrested were Sergio Valencia Vargas, Marco Antonio Sanchez Cruz, Tomas Martinez Castellano, Fermin Cruz Alvarez, Noel Torres-Valdavinos, Alejandro Cuevas Pulido, Angel Vargas Pulido, Gladis Rodriguez Garcia and Sergio Sanchez Ramirez. 

All were booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on suspicion of being in possession of an assault weapon and cannabis for sale, being armed with a firearm, conspiracy to commit a crime and operating a drug house.