More than 10K marijuana plants seized in S. Utah; 1 arrested


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WASHINGTON COUNTY -- Investigators in Southern Utah uncovered a large marijuana farm near Pine Valley Mountain. This is the third farm raid in the area in just over a week.

Agents with the Washington County Area Drug and Gang Task Force worked with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to remove approximately 10,700 marijuana plants Thursday. In addition, more than 500 pounds of processed pot was seized.

Francisco Gomez-Talavera
Francisco Gomez-Talavera

Police arrested one man, 27-year-old Francisco Gomez-Talavera, in connection with the grow. Officers received a tip he was delivering supplies to the site and caught him in the act.

He is the brother of two suspects arrested last week in connection with a grow near Pinto Springs. Rito Gomez-Talavera, 30, and Alberto Gomez-Talavera, 23, were arrested Aug. 5 when officers seized up to 3,000 marijuana plants from that farm.

Francisco Gomez-Talavera was booked into jail on charges of cultivating and possessing marijuana. Police believe he was working with both grows.

He is being held on $10,000 bail.

Close to 25 law enforcement officials participated in the Pine Valley Mountain bust.

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