Sheriff’s Deputies have shut down an illegal marijuana cultivation site in the North County.
On Friday, June 25 just after 7:30 a.m., detectives from the Valley Center Sheriff’s Substation’s Crime Suppression team, along with assistance from the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Gangs Division (NGD) and Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT), served a search warrant in the 29000 block of Cole Grade Road in Valley Center.
The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation by Sheriff’s Detectives of illegal marijuana cultivation in an unincorporated area of Valley Center.
Seven people were detained during the operation. Detectives seized 15,000 live marijuana plants and 9.5 pounds of processed marijuana products with an estimated street value of more than $7.6 million.
San Diego County’s Code Compliance team, California Water Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) also assisted in today’s operation. They discovered numerous violations on the property which created immediate health and safety risks as well as fire dangers.
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
The warrant follows community concerns about illegal marijuana operations near schools and residential areas. 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.
We want to assure those we serve the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is listening to the community and recognizes the negative impact illegal marijuana grows have on our neighborhoods.
Media Contact: Sgt. Mike Davis
Michael.Davis@sdsheriff.org
Valley Center Sheriff’s Substation
