SAN FRANCISCO—More than 3,000 pot plants and thousands of dollars were seized, and two people were arrested in a series of raids in San Francisco’s Sunset District, the San Francisco Police Department announced on Tuesday, March 26. Officers indicated that 38-year-old Stephen Pan and 41-year-old Qiong Chen were booked at San Francisco County Jail on four accounts each of illegal marijuana cultivation and conspiracy.
In December 2018, officers at SFPD’s Taraval Station began an investigation into illegal marijuana cultivation conspiracy, money laundering and possible human trafficking into the Taraval and Ingleside Police Districts. On February 21, 2019, the Taraval Neighborhood Team (TNT), the SFPD Narcotics Detail, and the SFPD Special Victims Unit served seven simultaneous search warrants that resulted in the seizure of evidence, mainly in the Sunset District.
- 840 marijuana plants- 200 block of 40th Avenue
- 900 marijuana plants and 12 lbs. of wrapped marijuana in a suitcase- 3400 block of Judah Street
- 1,237 marijuana plants and $11,000 in U.S. currency- 1900 block of 45th Avenue
- 435 marijuana plants- 2500 block of Ocean Avenue
- Financial information related to the operation- 200 block of Summit Way
- Financial information related to the criminal conspiracy seized- 4000 block of Alemany Boulevard
According to the SFPD, a total of 3,412 marijuana plants were seized in addition to three vehicles used in the criminal conspiracy. The investigation revealed numerous fire code violations as the marijuana grow houses were found to have illegal electrical infrastructures, creating a fire hazard to the surrounding community.
Pan was arrested at the Judah Street location. Chen was arrested at the 45th Avenue location. The SFPD is still investigating the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD 24 hour tip line at 1-415-575-4444.
