Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives along with Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies served a search warrant on a marijuana grow site on the 10500 block of West Evans Creek Road in Rogue River early yesterday morning. The property contained approximately 438 illegal cannabis plants, as well as approximately 1000 lbs. of processed black-market marijuana, and two firearms. Investigators also discovered five lbs. of processed psilocybin mushrooms on the property. The illegal cannabis was seized and destroyed on site. On scene, four subjects were detained, interviewed, and released. Detectives identified the primary suspects and charges are pending by the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
This case was the result of a month-long investigation of an illegal/black market marijuana growing operation. This location generated multiple complaints from residents. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location.
Jackson County Code Enforcement and Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters responded to the scene to conduct independent investigations. Code Enforcement issued citations to the property owner totaling $13,000 for unpermitted electrical work, unapproved storage buildings, unapproved marijuana production and processing, solid waste, and occupation of an RV within a marijuana grow site. For the unapproved greenhouse structures, the property owner faces the potential of up to $24,000 in additional fines. Watermasters issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible parties for using a domestic well for commercial crop without a ground water right. Water violations of this kind are subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Code Enforcement, and the DA’s Office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up