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KCSO called to area for person brandishing weapon, finds illegal marijuana grow

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What was initially reported as a person brandishing a weapon turned into the discovery of an illegal marijuana grow by the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

According to KCSO, deputies were called to the area of Gilmore Avenue and Standard Street at about 8:45 Wednesday night.

When they arrived they found an indoor illegal marijuana grow. Inside they found 2,941 cannabis plants and 85 pounds of processed marijuana believed to be worth an estimated $127,500.

Also found inside was a cache of weapons, including two non-California compliant AR-15 rifles with high-capacity magazines, a shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle with a high-capacity and tow handguns.

KCSO also found small amounts of cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

Also discovered at the site were what KCSO called "harmful chemicals" that were being drained into the sewer system.

KCSO arrested 31-year-old John Blackwell, who now faces a number of drug and gun charges.

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