Sheriffs Bust 500-Plant Pot Operation in Aptos Hills

Following a number of complaints from concerned citizens in the area, the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Department served a search warrant at a residence in the 3000 block of Redwood Drive in Aptos on Monday.

Inside the residence, according to an official statement from the sheriff's office, they found "over 500 marijuana plants, over five pounds of processed marijuana buds, and $3000 cash that deputies believe are proceeds from marijuana sales."

Other controlled substances as well as psilocybin mushrooms were also found in the home.

Thomas Speziale, 31, was arrested in connection with the grow operation for possession for sale and cultivation of marijuana, possession of psilocybin mushrooms and possession of other controlled substances without a prescription. 

Deputies also noted that the residence contained a considerable amount of hazardous wiring, as well as drugs well in reach of a child living at the address. The home has been red-tagged for "non-permitted electrical wiring," according to the sheriff's office.