Five men were arrested and thousands of marijuana plants were seized after deputies served search warrants at multiple illegal grow operations in Taft and Maricopa, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

On Wednesday, deputies from the Taft Substation, members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas task force and agents from Fish and Game Wildlife served warrants at three locations: the 100 block of South Street and the 300 block of Naylor Avenue in Taft, and the 2100 block of Brummett Way in Maricopa.

Authorities seized 2,843 marijuana plants, 2,501.5 pounds of processed marijuana, and a loaded firearm, according to the sheriff’s office.

Ignacio Chavez, 43, of Mexico, was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, and maintaining a residence for sales.

Luis Sanchez Romo, 29, Ignacio Nevarez, 57, and Selvano Gomez, 42, all of Mexico, were arrested on suspicion of cultivation, possession for sale, and maintaining a residence for sales and conspiracy. Sanchez Romo was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a zip gun and possession of a controlled substance.

Francisco Tabares, 27, of Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, and maintaining a residence for sales.

All suspects were booked into Lerdo jail.

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