[#item_full_content] The Tehama County Sheriff’s Department helicopter was up and running on Aug. 26 when it assisted in busting an illegal outdoor marijuana grow operation in the area of Cannon Road off Highway 36W west of Red Bluff.In collaboration with the AirRescue-1 helicopter (AirRes-1), the Tehama County Major Crimes Task Force executed a search warrant at the grow site, which reportedly has links to an organized drug trafficking group.During the search, task force agents successfully seized 5,419 marijuana plants, and at the same time discovered hazardous chemicals used in the cultivation of the plants, according to the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office. The chemicals are known to pose significant risks to wildlife and waterways in the area of the illegal pot growing garden.AirRes-1 was staffed with two pilots and one flight paramedic during the raid to provide aerial support, basic life support, as well as emergency evacuation capabilities in the event of an injury to either law enforcement personnel or suspects, reported the TCSO.The helicopter also assisted in the pursuit of a suspect who fled from the site, according to one of its pilots, Sgt. Dustin Maria. The helicopter crew reportedly located the individual hiding in the brush and coordinated with ground agents to apprehend him. The suspect, Francisco Javier Gallardo Ruiz, 39, of Stockton was subsequently arrested and transported to the Tehama County Jail where he was booked on suspicion of planting/cultivating marijuana.According to the TCSO, AirRes-1 is funded entirely through grants, money seized from drug busts, and donations.Anyone interested in supporting the TSCO air operations unit can do so by making a tax-deductible donation to Tehama County Search and Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information go online to the TCSO website. 
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