BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Four illegal marijuana dispensaries were raided on Thursday in Rosamond as part of a multi-agency operation that saw nine suspects arrested for their alleged involvement, said the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
On Feb. 12, 2026, at around 6 p.m., deputies, Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (KC-HIDTA) personnel, Special Services Unit, Gang Unit, and the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team executed search warrants at four illegal marijuana dispensaries operating in Rosamond.
The following was seized:
330.2 lbs. of processed marijuana324 lbs. of THC concentrates211.9 lbs. of THC edibles3,072 THC vape cartridges46 lbs. of psilocybin mushrooms/edibles
The operation closed the following four dispensaries, which were allegedly in violation of County and State Health and Safety Codes:
Lights Out Wellness – 1739 Poplar StreetThe Plum Tree Collective – 2873 Sierra HwyCBD Botanicals – 2763 Sierra HwyThe Hemp Depot – 2739 Diamond Street
Kern County Code Compliance officials inspected these buildings and, due to numerous violations, they were “tagged,” as the buildings were deemed unsafe for occupancy.
The following were arrested and booked into the Lerdo Detention Facility:
Vasil Kobaladze, 51, of ActonManal Benjamaa, 26, of LancasterArsenio Trice, 36, of Mojave (also charged with possession of methamphetamine)Eric Aponte, 23, of RosamondSelena Labrador, 23, of RosamondLilGene Waylon Zaragoza, 21, of WascoJonathan Corrales, 20, of Cal CityRobert Romero, 45, of RosamondBrent Cowan, 42, of Bakersfield
All suspects face charges of maintaining a place for drug sales, possession of marijuana for sale, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife/Cannabis Enforcement Program (CEP), detectives from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), and officers from the Kern County Probation Department assisted in the operation. Investigators from the Kern County District Attorney’s Office are supporting the processing of the dispensaries and conducting civil investigations.
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Investigators from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) will conduct follow-up investigations regarding illicit marijuana sales and related violations.