Searches cut into pot cultivation

Two police searches in as many days have yielded a significant crop of marijuana in Porterville that will never hit the streets.

Detectives with the Porterville Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit this week have confiscated huge quantities of marijuana — both ready for sale and still growing — arresting two local men in the process.

The combined haul has an estimated street value of nearly $1.6 million.

In the most recent action, a Porterville man was jailed Wednesday after a search of his home yielded what police are describing as "an elaborate indoor and outdoor" marijuana-growing operation.

Detectives served a search warrant at about 4:30 p.m. in the 1600 block of West Putnam Avenue. During the search, police reportedly found more than 140 marijuana plants being cultivated and approximately eight pounds of processed marijuana.

Detectives also reportedly found packaging material, narcotics paraphernalia and scales.

Randolph Mullins, 54, of Porterville, was arrested on suspicion of possessing marijuana for sale and cultivation of marijuana. He was booked at the Tulare County SheriffÂ’s Department, with bail set at $250,000.

WednesdayÂ’s action comes on the heels of a similar search Tuesday that netted a significant stash of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia, landing another local man in jail.

Detectives served a search warrant at about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 1800 block of West Morton Avenue. The search uncovered what police described as "a large amount of marijuana" being cultivated in the backyard, along with processed marijuana, weapons and ammunition.

During the search, detectives reportedly found approximately two pounds of processed marijuana packaged for sale. Detectives also reportedly found approximately 343 pounds of mature marijuana plants being cultivated.

Investigators said suspected methamphetamine, packaging materials, narcotics paraphernalia, scales and two firearms with ammunition were also found in the home.

During the investigation, detectives arrested Mark Lyman, 53, of Porterville.

Lyman was booked at the Tulare County SheriffÂ’s Department on suspicion of possessing, selling and cultivation marijuana for sale. He was also found to be a convicted felon in possession of firearms and was allegedly in possession of loaded firearms in the commission of a felony.

Lyman was also booked on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine and being felon in possession of ammunition, police report. He was being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.