On Thursday, 09/15/2016, at approximately 0700 hours, agents with the Shasta County Sheriff’s
Office Marijuana Investigation Team served a search warrant at 5083 Poplar Ave in the
unincorporated area of Anderson, CA. The search warrant was served in regards to an illicit,
outdoor, large scale marijuana cultivation site in the back yard of the residence. Upon arrival at
the residence, two subjects were located and detained inside. The two subjects were identified as
Keo Sayavong, 70 years old, and One Sayavong, 71 years old. It was later determined Keo and
One were husband and wife and lived at the residence together. No other subjects were
contacted at the residence.
A search of the residence and property was conducted. During the search, 159 actively growing
marijuana plants were discovered in the back yard of the residence. The marijuana plants
discovered were in multiple stages of growth, which is consistent with a continuous cultivation
operation for profit. Inside the residence, agents located approximately 15 pounds of processed
marijuana packaged for sales, with an estimated street value of approximately $15,000-
$20,000.00. Digital scales, packaging materials, and other evidence indicative of the sale of
marijuana were also located. Agents located and seized over $113,000.00 in US currency hidden
inside the residence. The investigation revealed that the currency was proceeds from the sales of
illegal controlled substances. Two rifles, one handgun, and approximately 300 rounds of
ammunition were also located inside the residence. One rifle and the handgun were loaded and
readily accessible for use.
Records checks were conducted on both subjects contacted at the residence, which revealed Keo
was convicted of a firearms related felony in 2003 and was prohibited from possessing firearms
or ammunition. The firearms, ammunition, US currency, and documentation of narcotics sales
were all located in a room of the residence which was determined to be occupied by Keo. Keo
Sayavong was placed under arrest for the following felony charges: cultivation of marijuana,
possession of marijuana for sales, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing
ammunition as a convicted felon, and being armed during the commission of a felony.
Additionally, felony charges for cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sales
will be filed with the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office in regards to One Sayavong’s
involvement in the criminal activity.
