On Friday, September 10, 2021, at approximately 7:00 a.m., detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET), with the assistance of deputies from the Sheriff’s Fallbrook Crime Suppression Team (CST), Valley Center CST, Vista Station’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (C.O.P.P.S.) unit, and Sheriff’s detectives from the San Diego Integrated Narcotics Task Force, served a search warrant at 28519 Highway 79 in Warner Springs.
The warrant was part of an investigation by Sheriff’s detectives of a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Extraction Lab in San Diego County. During the execution of the warrant, a psilocybin (mushroom) lab was discovered on the property. Psilocybin labs have specific safety concerns due to the unique dangers they create with potential for spore contamination. Also discovered on the property were vast quantities of hash oil and hazardous materials. It is not uncommon for investigators to find hazardous materials with large amounts of hash oil, which is indicative of a possible THC extraction lab. These hazardous materials may enter the local ground water supply and streams, creating extreme environmental hazards. Due to hazardous materials being located on the property, the San Diego County’s Hazmat Team and personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) responded to seize the dangerous substances.
Detectives seized the following during the search:
One loaded firearm
Three tons of hash oil with a street value of $81.5 million
460.5 pounds of processed marijuana
5.5 pounds of psilocybin with a street value of $6,600
Investigators believe the drugs found at the Warner Springs property were destined for unlicensed Southern California marijuana dispensaries. The warrant follows community concerns about illegal marijuana operations near schools and residential areas. We want to assure those we serve know the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is listening to the community and recognizes the negative impact illicit cannabis operations have on our neighborhoods.
Felony charges will be filed with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office against the two people who were arrested at the scene.
Sergeant Kamon Harris
MediaRelations@sdsheriff.org
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Marijuana Enforcement Team
