Marijuana Seized in Raid; 2 to Be Arraigned Friday

Two people arrested in connection with what Anaheim police said was the largest marijuana-growing operation uncovered in the city’s history are scheduled for arraignment Friday in North Orange County Municipal Court.

William H. Dennis, 36, and Patti Kaye Peterburs, 28, both of Anaheim, will be arraigned on charges of cultivating marijuana and offering it for sale. They were arrested Tuesday when police raided two adjacent warehouses holding an estimated 1,500 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, said Anaheim Police Lt. John Flanagan.

One Pound Per Plant Police would not estimate the value of the plants but said that sinsemilla, the seedless type of marijuana that was being grown, has a street value of $2,000 a pound and that a mature plant can produce up to a pound of marijuana.

Flanagan said officers seized packaged marijuana valued at $22,000, plus $6,700 in cash, in a search of Dennis’ and Peterburs’ home at 2303 E. Ball Road.

Police raided the warehouses at 1556 and 1558 S. Anaheim Blvd. after investigating an anonymous tip that a peculiar odor was coming from the buildings, Flanagan said.

‘A Production Operation’ Police Investigator Al Valdez valued the growing-lamps, humidifiers, fans, heaters and other equipment found at the warehouses at approximately $10,000.

Valdez said the warehouse was divided into sections equipped for plants at different growth stages. “It was a production operation,” he said.

Police are still investigating. They have no other suspects, Flanagan said but added, “It’s difficult to conceive of two people putting this together and sustaining it.”