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A suspected illegal marijuana operation in the Lockwood Valley area was shut down Wednesday, authorities said.

Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office first learned of the operation in March and learned marijuana being illegally cultivated at the farm was being sold in Los Angeles County.

On Wednesday, detectives served a search warrant in the 16000 block of Curtis Trail. During the search, authorities seized approximately 87 pounds of marijuana, worth over $80,000, according to authorities.

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During the investigation, detectives identified the primary suspect behind the operation as Oganes Varoyan, 52, of Van Nuys. Varoyan’s son Khoren Varoyan, 22, and Akop Bakalyan, 41, both of Van Nuys, were also identified as associates involved in the operation, deputies said.

A second search warrant was served at the Varoyans’ primary residence in the 6500 block of Nagle Avenue and Bakalyan’s residence in the 6200 block of Ranchito Avenue, both in Van Nuys. The search warrants yielded a total of 60 firearms, several of which were determined to be stolen and others that were illegal assault weapons. Over $17,000 was also seized, according to investigators.

Oganes and Khoren Varoyan were both detained during the search and were arrested on suspicion of multiple felony firearm and narcotics violations regarding the illegal cultivation, transportation and sales of marijuana.

They were both booked into county jail and released on $0 bail, with court appearances scheduled for July 7 and 8, respectively. Bakalyan was not located during the search warrants and remains outstanding at this time, authorities said.

Jeremy Childs is a breaking news and public safety reporter covering the night shift for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached by calling 805-437-0208 or emailing jeremy.childs@vcstar.com. You can also find him on Twitter @Jeremy_Childs.

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