At a Glance
- Michael Jay Kamfolt was arrested on Jan. 20 for a large weapons and marijuana operation.
- Investigators found a hidden bunker, 13 firearms, 30 high-capacity magazines, and roughly 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
- The raid followed a December 2025 tip and aerial surveillance confirming illegal activity.
Why it matters: The discovery underscores the risk of concealed weapons and drug cultivation posing a threat to public safety.
The recent raid on a home in Anderson, Northern California, uncovered a sophisticated underground bunker used for marijuana cultivation and a sizable arsenal of illegal firearms. The operation led to the arrest of Michael Jay Kamfolt on Jan. 20, highlighting the seriousness of the crime.
Investigation Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | CHP received a tip about a suspected illegal marijuana operation in Anderson. |
| Early 2026 | Aerial surveillance confirmed suspicious activity at the property. |
| Jan. 20 | Search warrant executed; authorities seized weapons, ammunition, and cultivation equipment. |
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) began its investigation after a tip in December 2025. Aerial surveillance helped confirm the suspicion, leading to a search warrant that was executed on Jan. 20.
The Hidden Bunker
The bunker was accessed through a 100-foot-long tunnel and was fully equipped for cultivation:
- Electricity and ventilation systems to maintain plant growth.
- A concrete floor with built-in drainage to manage water and waste.
- Storage areas for marijuana plants and ancillary supplies.
The underground structure provided an ideal environment for large-scale marijuana production while keeping the operation concealed.
Weapons and Ammunition Cache
During the raid, authorities seized:
- 13 firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun and three AR-15-style assault rifles.
- One AR-15 had its serial number removed.
- Two firearms had been reported stolen-one in 1978 and the other in 2016.
- 30 high-capacity magazines.
- Roughly 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
- Four bulletproof vests, one emblazoned with the word “villain.”
Photos released by CHP show rows of firearms, green metal ammunition boxes, and the vests. The cache was described as “an alarming collection of illegal firearms and ammunition.”
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Kamfolt was booked on several weapons-related charges:
- Possession of an assault rifle.
- Possession of a firearm with an altered serial number.
- Manufacturing a ghost gun.
Shasta County jail records indicate that Kamfolt was no longer in custody as of Tuesday.
CHP Statement
“This operation went far beyond an illegal grow,” said John Pinoli, CHP Northern Division Chief, in a news release. “The combination of a hidden bunker and an alarming cache of illegal firearms and ammunition highlights the threat posed to public safety. I am proud of the tireless work of our Northern Division personnel that led to this arrest.”
Pinoli emphasized the seriousness of the findings and the importance of thorough law-enforcement work in protecting communities.
Public Safety Impact
The discovery of a large weapons cache in a residential area raises concerns about potential misuse. The presence of stolen firearms and high-capacity magazines suggests a capability for violent wrongdoing. Law-enforcement agencies continue to monitor the situation and investigate any related incidents.
Current Status
While Kamfolt has been released from custody, the case remains active. The CHP is expected to pursue additional charges as more evidence emerges. The investigation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges law-enforcement faces in uncovering hidden drug and weapons operations.
Key Takeaways
- A hidden bunker used for marijuana cultivation also stored a large arsenal of illegal weapons.
- The raid resulted in the arrest of Michael Jay Kamfolt and the seizure of 13 firearms and roughly 10,000 rounds of ammunition.
- The operation highlights the risks posed by concealed weapons in residential areas.
- Authorities are continuing to investigate related crimes and potential accomplices.
By shedding light on the extent of the illegal operation, the raid underscores the importance of vigilant law-enforcement efforts to safeguard public safety.
