Pot plants seized

State, local and federal authorities say they jailed three suspects and seized 120 marijuana plants from a series of gardens outside Potter Valley in Mendocino County on Wednesday.

Two Fresno men - Eustaquio Martinez, 26, and Estevan Martinez, 20 - remained in the custody of the Mendocino County Jail on Thursday, their bail set at $25,000 for suspected marijuana cultivation and sales.

A third suspect, Mathew Elgethun, 21, of Ukiah and Boise, Idaho, was released on bail Wednesday, jail personnel said.

Mendocino County sheriff's Lt. Kurt Smallcomb said the raids were part of a CAMP, or Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, operation and included members of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mendocino County major crimes task force and additional deputies.

Searches were being conducted along Eel River Logging Road between Van Arsdale Dam and Lake Pillsbury and some of the plants in the process of eradication when the suspects were found, he said..

The three men attempted to run in at least two cases but were apprehended and arrested, Smallcomb said.

Authorities destroyed the marijuana plants, he said.