Illegal marijuana operation found hidden inside private golf facility in Central Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An illegal marijuana operation hidden inside a private golf facility in Central Fresno was raided Thursday morning.

The Fresno City Attorney's Office and two state agencies served a search warrant to the AOA Private Golf Club.

The private club is located near the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

"It's a business that has clearly been operating for a significant amount of time in terms of their illegal sales operations," said Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz.

One person who works nearby didn't want to go on camera but told ABC30 the business looked like a regular business that didn't cause any problems.

According to the company's website, it said they have a state-of-the-art golf simulator, a full bar, and multiple food options for members.

During their search, investigators seized thousands of dollars of marijuana, edibles, and paraphernalia.

"The point of going after these illegal grow operations, illegal sales. are to really help support the legal cannabis industry, which is regulated and safe," Janz said.

Earlier this month, investigators also busted another illegal cannabis operation at the Grow More Garden Supply store.

"This is why we put into place the CAAP program, where we've partnered with the attorney general to go after these illegal operations. These drugs are not regulated by any state agency, so we have a concern they may be laced with fentanyl or any other dangerous substances," Janz explained.

The City Attorney's Office says no arrests have been made so far.

But there is an ongoing criminal investigation.

Action News spoke to an employee outside of the business who declined an interview.

For news updates, follow Ana Torrea on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.