Detectives Seize Cache of Marijuana, Guns in Aptos

Sheriff’s detectives reportedly found almost $100,000 worth of marijuana and guns in a house within The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos when they served a search warrant at the home during the weekend.

Brandon King, 32, was arrested at the house, on the 3800 block of Redwood Drive, a public road that runs through the south side of the state park, according to the sheriff's office.

King had a medicinal marijuana recommendation from a doctor and apparently had ties to Santa Cruz Patients Collective, a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Cruz, according to the sheriff's office.

Neighbors had complained about traffic, speeding and suspected drug activity at the home, which led the sheriff's drug team to investigate the property. Deputies raided the home Saturday morning.

Detectives found 23 pounds of marijuana buds, 1,400 marijuana plants growing inside the house, nine guns and more than $40,000 cash. The processed marijuana buds are worth about $80,500, according to the sheriff's office.

It appeared to detectives that King's operation was for financial gain. He was arrested on suspicion of possession for sales and cultivation of marijuana. King was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail and released on bail.

The sheriff’s office asks that residents continue to call about suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. The non-emergency number is 831-471-1121.