Suspect held in marijuana seizure worth $5.7 million
A 28-year-old Pahrump man was arrested after being linked to two marijuana grow houses where authorities seized $5.7 million worth of marijuana, the Nye County sheriff’s office said Wednesday.
Amos Cavallo faces several recommended charges, including maintaining a place to sell a controlled substance, trafficking marijuana and trafficking methamphetamine.
He also faces possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of public utilities charges.
An anonymous tip led investigators on Monday to the first home, where marijuana plants in various stages of growth were seized.
The total weight of the plants was 160 pounds.
Evidence inside the home linked Cavallo to the growing operation, the sheriff’s office said.
Investigators later searched Cavallo’s home, where they seized 1,726 marijuana plants.
They also seized more than 4 grams of methamphetamine.
At both homes, authorities said, deputies learned that Cavallo had illegally tapped into electrical lines to get power without paying for it.
Cavallo, who fled officers, was arrested without incident at the Best Western in Pahrump, authorities said.
He was booked into the Nye County Detention Center pending bail of $55,000.
Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@review journal.com or 702-383-4638.
