Man Suspected of Running Elaborate Pot Lab Sought

Police are seeking the public’s help in finding a man suspected of running a large indoor marijuana lab at several sites countywide, according to Orange police.

Brady Neal Willis, 43, is wanted on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, conspiracy and theft of electrical services, Orange Police Det. Rob Miller said.

The suspect is described as white, about 6 feet 2 inches tall, 200 pounds with brown hair and eyes.

Orange police discovered the operation June 7 at six industrial complexes in Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. Within each complex they found several trailers holding more than 1,500 marijuana plants grown hydroponically--with indoor lighting and irrigation.

Police said the marijuana seized was extremely potent and had an estimated street value of $3.15 million. The sophisticated drug operation, which used the trailers as greenhouses, also involved the theft of $200,000 in electricity from Edison International, Miller said.

One suspect, 28-year-old Andrew Aguilera, was taken into custody shortly after the seizure. But police said they believe Willis, who is also being sought by the Riverside Police Department on similar counts, is the primary operator.