Authorities from the Warren County Sheriff's Department executed a search warrant last Thursday, Oct. 22, at the home of Edward and Juli Pilla, 28107 Rangeline, off Sunnyside Road west of Warrenton. Deputies confiscated more than 60 marijuana plants and over 140 Ziploc bags containing marijuana ready for sale.

The processed marijuana seized from the scene weighed approximately 11 pounds with a street value of over $30,000, according to Sheriff Kevin Harrison.

Edward and Juli Pilla, both 48, have been charged with production of a controlled substance. Edward Pilla also has been charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The Pillas turned themselves in to authorities Friday. Both are free on bond. Their first court appearance has yet to be scheduled.

"This was a sophisticated and elaborate operation," Harrison said. "They had a significant financial investment. These individuals put a lot of time and research into growing marijuana."

The Pillas own Spudmaster ColossalChips, described as the "world's largest, most unique, gourmet potato chip." The company is headquartered in Bellflower. The Pillas previously owned Spudmasters and Yesterday's, both located in the same building at 201 E. Main in Warrenton. The building currently houses El Ranchito restaurant.

"They could be good people but the drug culture knows no boundaries," Harrison said. "You can't judge people and assume. It's a surprise and a shock."

Detectives Scott Schoenfeld and Jeff Doerr began investigating the Pillas in June when the department was tipped off to the couple purchasing equipment normally associated with an indoor agricultural/plant growing operation, Harrison said.

Some of the growing equipment seized last week included numerous sodium halide lights, electronic timers, light trails, ballasts, fans and filtration systems.

Harrison noted the Pillas appeared ready to expand their illegal operation into another room where additional equipment was located. The plants discovered in the search ranged from small seedlings to mature plants ready for harvest, Harrison said.

"They had the potential to turn products regularly year-round," he said.

According to the probable cause statement, Edward Pilla admitted to detectives he began selling the marijuana to pay off some of his debt. Juli Pilla also told authorities she was aware of the operation, the probable cause statement shows.

A person who declined to give his name when answering the phone at the potato chip factory Monday morning said business continues to operate as usual. The man acknowledged he was shocked about the arrests but declined to elaborate. He added that Edward Pilla visited the business earlier that morning.

"We are continuing on," the man said. "It was a personal matter."