Stanislaus sheriff’s office targets illegal grow sites, eradicates $20M worth of marijuana
A two-week operation targeting 29 illegal grow sites in Stanislaus County led to the eradication of approximately $20.4 million worth of marijuana plants and processed drug, the sheriff’s office said.
Between Oct. 26 and Nov. 5, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office partnered with teams from other local and state agencies for the operation. They obtained search warrants to investigate the indoor and outdoor operations.
As a result of the operation, investigators eradicated more than 13,000 marijuana plants, demolished 10 grow sites, recovered 2,565 pounds of processed marijuana and seized $8,309 in cash and seven fire arms. Of the sites searched, 18 had utilities shut off. There were also 17 code enforcement referrals.
A total of 16 people, were arrested, booked or issued citations. Most resided in Stanislaus County, San Francisco or surrounding areas, although one man was from Orange County.
The sheriff’s office did not make any referrals for unsafe living conditions.
The sheriff’s office said illegal grows are dangerous because they can often result in violence, harmful environmental practices and even human trafficking.
