On Thursday, March 18 around 8:00 a.m., members of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Narcotics and Gangs Division, with the assistance of several Task Force Officers from the San Diego Integrated Regional Narcotic Task Force (NTF), served a search warrant in the 29000 block of Chihuahua Valley Road in Warner Springs.
The warrant was part of an investigation by Sheriff’s Detectives of illegal marijuana cultivation and sales in San Diego County. Detectives seized 1,191 live marijuana plants and 64 pounds of processed marijuana at the Warner Springs location with an estimated street value of nearly $1,000,000.
California Water Board investigators also assisted in today’s operation. They discovered numerous environmental-related crimes happening on the property due to the illegal cultivation. It is not uncommon for investigators to find dangerous chemicals, illegal pesticides and other hazardous materials used at unlicensed marijuana grow sites. These dangerous materials may enter the local ground water supply and streams, creating extreme environmental hazards.
Marijuana cultivation sites such as these are often the source of products unsafe for human consumption, which are sold at illegal dispensaries in our communities. Investigators believe the marijuana at the Warner Springs grow site was destined for unlicensed Southern California pot shops.
Felony charges will be filed with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office against two men, ages 48 and 63, who were detained at the scene.
Contact: Sergeant Mark Knierim
Mark.Knierim@sdsheriff.org
Sheriff’s Narcotics and Gangs Division
