Who Is Stephanie Smith? San Bernardino Police Find Largest Indoor Marijuana Operation

Police in San Bernardino found what is believed to be the largest indoor marijuana operation ever in the city in California on Wednesday. A 43-year-old woman, named Stephanie Smith, was questioned in connection with the property that had more than 24,000 marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

Eight people were detained on suspicion of marijuana cultivation after police and federal agents raided the warehouse, which was likened to a "weed fortress," according to reports. Smith ran the unlicensed operation that is believed to have netting millions of dollars-a-month in profit.

“The huge operation is normally associated with a drug lord,” police said.

The warehouse was raised after police received a tip about illegal marijuana cultivation about two months ago. Police found the once-abandoned warehouse had been outfitted with a 12-foot metal rolling fence, "fortified doors," a large concrete wall around the parking lot and surveillance cameras.

Smith, who lives in Pacific Palisades, reportedly paid cash for two warehouses and a home for the operation, KTLA reported.

"This is the largest single grow that I've ever seen for an indoor operation. There's just floors with multiple rooms with plants in various stages of the growing process, and it's a very, very sophisticated operation," Lt. Mike Madden with San Bernardino police said, according to ABC 7.

Investigators described the operation as sophisticated and Smith as brazen, considering the size of the operation. She was not arrested or charged with a crime.

Police and federal investigators also raided two other properties owned by Smith and seized 18,000 pounds of marijuana in total.

California legalized marijuana about a year ago, but those growing marijuana must still have their operations registered and approved by cities. They also must register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The state is among 29 others where marijuana is legal, either for medical or recreational use.

"Marijuana has been legalized, but there are stringent requirements," Madden said. "It's not that you just get to set up shop where you want to set up."