Pot, explosives, stolen property found in Lancaster drug bust

LANCASTER – Authorities serving a search warrant at a Lancaster home Monday morning seized 13 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $15K,  as well as several items suspected of being stolen and a live 25mm round commonly fired from a turret gun on a military Bradley fighting vehicle.

Lorenzo Mendoza, 59, was arrested for cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale and possession of an explosive device.

The following is the news release from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station.

Members of the Lancaster Station Burglary Suppression Team received information last week from a citizen informant that residents living in the 700 Block of West Avenue H-13, Lancaster were trading drugs for stolen property.

An investigation, regarding the information received, resulted in a search warrant being issued for the location.

This morning (April 30), the burglary suppression team served a search warrant at the location. Located inside the home were several items of property suspected of being stolen.

These items were seized pending further investigation.

In the rear yard of the location, two makeshift green houses were located. Inside the green houses were approximately 30 marijuana plants all being at least six feet tall or larger.  Miscellaneous items used to cultivate the marijuana were also located, in addition to items associated with the sale of marijuana.

It is estimated that the plants, when harvested, would yield approximately 13 pounds of marijuana, with a street sales value of approximately $15,000.00.

In the garage of the location, a live 25 mm round commonly fired from a turret gun on a military Bradley fighting vehicle was found. Arson/Explosive investigators responded to the location and secured the round, which will later be destroyed.

The owner of the house, identified as Lorenzo Mendoza MH/59, was arrested for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana. He was additionally charged with possession of an explosive device. He is being held at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station on $50,000.00 bail. The investigation is continuing.

–