ILLICIT CANNABIS CULTIVATION OPERATION LEADS TO DISCOVERY OF UNDERGROUND BUNKER AND LARGE CACHE OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS

OG article by Official website of the State of California

January 26, 2026

In Anderson, California, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) uncovered an illicit cannabis cultivation site featuring an underground bunker after a tip in December 2025. Following confirmation via aerial overflight and a month-long investigation, officers executed a search warrant on January 20, 2026. They discovered a hidden bunker accessed through a 100-foot culvert, complete with power, ventilation, concrete flooring, drainage, and marijuana cultivation supplies. Additionally, authorities seized 13 firearms—including a sawed-off shotgun, AR-15-style rifles (one with obliterated serial number), and stolen guns—along with four body armor vests, 30 high-capacity magazines, and about 10,000 rounds of ammunition, including armor-piercing types. Michael Jay Kamfolt, 40, of Anderson, was arrested on multiple felony charges related to assault weapons, machine guns, ghost guns, stolen firearms, altered serial numbers, and possession of illegal ammunition. CHP Northern Division Chief John Pinoli emphasized the serious public safety risks from the hidden bunker and illegal firearms cache. The investigation remains ongoing with further leads being pursued. This case highlights dangers beyond typical illegal grows, involving sophisticated concealment and heavy armament.