Marijuana Bust Results in Nearly $1 Million Worth of Drug, Growing Aids

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department seized between $900,000 and $1 million worth of marijuana and arrested two men in connection to a raid in Hidden Hills Wednesday.

Narcotics investigators from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station found about 1,000 marijuana plants, 40 pounds of processed marijuana product, 47 ballasts, 37 high-intensity lights, a .40 caliber Baretta semi-automatic handgun and other evidence when they served a warrant to a location on the 23000 block of Oakfield Road, according to a statement issued by the Sheriff's Department.

Investigators arrested Robert Larue, 54, of Lawndale and Mauricio Lara, 50, of Los Angeles, who were booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's station for th etransporting, selling or furnishish of marijuana, cultivation of marijuana and the theft of utilities, the statement said.

Due to an electrical bypass installed at the location, the Sheriff's Department notified Southern California Edison, which is now investigating what the Sheriff's Department said appeared to be an ongoing theft of electricity in order to power the marijuana grow.

According to the Sheriff's Department, bail for each suspect was set at $100,000, with Larue bonded out and Lara remaining in custody with an additional hold by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

Sheriff's detectives are seeking the public's help in identifying possible victims, witnesses and suspects and is asking anyone with information to contact Detective Christopher Seitz at 818-878-3032 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call 800-222-8477.