Shasta County Detectives Find 788 Marijuana Plants at Two Indoor Grows, Arrest Redding Man

Two searches in Shasta County led detectives to a combined 788 growing marijuana plants, 325 pounds of processed marijuana and the arrest of a Redding man, according to a November 3rd, 2026, media release from the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation involved properties in Happy Valley and Mountain Gate. Zhao Lianwei, 62, of Redding, was arrested during the first search on Monday, November 2nd, 2026.

Patrols in Happy Valley lead to first search

The investigation began Saturday, October 31st, 2026, when deputies conducting proactive patrols in the Happy Valley area detected a suspected indoor marijuana grow on the 18000 block of Olinda Road.

Deputies passed the information to the Marijuana Eradication Team with the Shasta County Interagency Narcotics Task Force, known as MET/SINTF. Detectives investigated further and obtained a search warrant for suspected unlawful indoor marijuana cultivation.

On Monday morning, November 2nd, detectives from MET/SINTF and the AB109/SAFE Team served the warrant at the Olinda Road property. The Sheriff’s Office said a man ran from the residence into a wooded area when detectives arrived. Detectives caught him after a short foot chase and identified him as Lianwei.

Inside a detached shop, investigators reported finding what the agency described as a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation. The search uncovered 449 growing marijuana plants and 325 pounds of processed marijuana.

Lianwei was booked into the Shasta County Jail on suspicion of unlawful cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

Evidence leads detectives to Mountain Gate

While collecting additional evidence at the Olinda Road property, detectives discovered a second address associated with Lianwei, according to the release.

That property was on the 19000 block of Tunnel Road in the Mountain Gate area. After conducting further investigation, detectives obtained another search warrant for suspected unlawful indoor marijuana cultivation.

Detectives served the second warrant Monday afternoon, November 2nd. The Sheriff’s Office said they found another indoor grow containing 339 growing marijuana plants.

The agency said additional charges would be requested against Lianwei in connection with the second grow. The allegations have not been proven in court.

How to report a suspected unlawful grow

The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to eradicating unlawful, unpermitted marijuana growing operations. Residents can report suspected unlawful grows by emailing [email protected] or calling 530-224-4804.

The release lists case number SCSO26-005531. Its media contact is Public Information Officer Tim Mapes at 530-245-6149.

Information and photos were provided by the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. This local news report is part of North State Now’s Shasta County news and Northern California news coverage.

Photos from the investigation

Photo courtesy of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.

Photo courtesy of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office.