A 31-year-old Gilroy man was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance after the fire department responded to a call about a strong gas odor in the area of Fourth and Rosanna streets. Rene Vargas was making a concentrated form of cannabis made with pressurized butane in the home he shared with his father, wife and 11-month-old son on the 7600 block of Rosanna Street, a Gilroy Police Department spokesman said.
Gilroy Fire Department personnel arrived just after 5:22 p.m. Nov. 11 to respond to the call about a potential gas leak, and they determined the smell was coming from Vargas’ home, according to GPD Sgt. Pedro Espinoza.
“Fearing that the residents were in danger, GFD personnel entered the residence and located evidence that they believed to be consistent with that of a clandestine lab,” Espinoza stated in a press release.
A task force—including the GPD’s Anti-Crime Team and agents with the Santa Clara County Special Enforcement and Unified Narcotics Enforcement teams—executed a search warrant on the home. Inside, police said they found a lab and materials used to make the form of cannabis called hash oil, including hundreds of butane gas cans, pressure-cooking devices, mechanical pumps and pure alcohol. The manufacturing process involves flammable ingredients and it exposes the surrounding community to danger, police said.
Authorities seized just over $15,000 worth of the concentrated substance and $6,000 of dried cannabis. Vargas was also charged with possession of cannabis for sales and child endangerment, in addition to the manufacturing charge.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact GPD Detective Bill Richmond at (408) 846-0350. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME).
