Two people have been arraigned in connection with illegal marijuana grow operations at two different homes in Mount Pleasant and Midland.

According to the Michigan State Police, an investigation was launched Nov. 2, 2024, after they received multiple tips about a suspected black market marijuana grow operation. After conducting surveillance the following month, an operation was discovered in the 9000 block of Pere Marquette Road in Wise Township. 257 marijuana plants, a pistol, a shotgun and evidence of another illegal marijuana grow operation were seized pursuant to a search warrant.

The second operation was located in the 600 block of Gensel Drive in Jerome Township in Midland County. Troopers seized 76 marijuana plants, 18 pounds of cultivated marijuana and ammunition from the location. It was also found that each location had been stealing electricity by illegally tapping into the meters, which manipulates the meter readings and allows the user to avoid paying appropriate usage fees.

Both suspects, 36-year-old Raul Castenda Hernandez and 42-year-old Giselle Ibanez Martinez, were arrested in connection with the operations.

Hernandez was arraigned on Aug. 6, 2025, on the following charges:

• Felon in possession of ammunition
• Conducting a criminal enterprise
• Delivery of 5-45 kilograms of marijuana
• Malicious destruction of utility property
• Fraudulent use of a utility

Martinez was arraigned on Sept. 9, 2025, on the following charges:

• Conducting a criminal enterprise
• Delivery of 5-45 kilograms of marijuana
• Malicious destruction of utility property
• Fraudulent use of a utility

Tips can be reported to Michigan State Police at 855-648-6222.

Information and image courtesy of Michigan State Police - Third District.