Benicia police Officer Armondo Sanchez, sent Monday afternoon to investigate a report of possible narcotics activity and utilities theft in the 4600 block of East Second Street, helped the Solano County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Enforcement Team uncover a large-scale marijuana grow, a sheriff’s spokesman said.

Daryl P. Snedeker said when Sanchez arrived he smelled what he believed was fresh marijuana, and a Pacific Gas and Electric Company employee confirmed that power was being stolen in the area.

At that point, Benicia police notified the sheriff’s Narcotics Enforcement Team while the department’s officers continued to watch the area, Snedeker said.

He said the sheriff’s team continued the investigation and obtained a search warrant for the building identified as the source of the marijuana smell.

When sheriff’s detectives served the warrant and entered the building about 7 p.m. Monday night, they found what Snedeker called “a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation” inside.

“The operation consisted of a sophisticated marijuana growing equipment and watering system,” he said.

“Detectives discovered three separate rooms within the building that were specifically set up to grow marijuana.”

The plants, he said, were in various stages of growth.

Investigators also found about 30 pounds of processed marijuana, which Snedeker said had a value of $90,000, and 825 plants valued at $2.5 million.

No people were found inside, Snedeker said.

“Detectives are continuing to follow up on leads and gathering information regarding the person or persons responsible for the operation,” he said.

“The Solano County Sheriff’s Office and Benicia Police Department encourage all citizens to contact their local police department if they suspect narcotics activity in their neighborhood.”

Those with any information about the pot grow may call the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, 707-421-7090, Snedeker said.

In addition, he said, callers may also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 707-644-STOP (7867).