NEVADA COUNTY, CA –Between June and July, members of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) together investigated 21 suspected illegal cannabis operations in Nevada County, serving search warrants at 11 properties in Nevada City, eight in Grass Valley, one in Penn Valley, and one in North San Juan.

In total, NCSO and CDFW eradicated 4,989 plants and seized 1,801.4 lbs. of processed cannabis. Illegal cannabis cultivation sites often threaten natural resources and public safety. For example, some of the 21 properties searched in June and July included issues with water pollution, trash, destruction to the environment, dangerous pesticides, and evidence of additional drug activity.

At two of the Nevada City properties, in addition to illegal cannabis, detectives uncovered several illicit drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) tablets (also known as acid), and white powder suspected to be methamphetamine. One property in Nevada City also had numerous firearms (both legal and illegal), one of which was loaded. The North San Juan property was found to be using illegal pesticides from China. The illegal Chinese pesticides as well as all drugs, drug paraphernalia, firearms and related items were seized during the property searches.

Illegal Chinese-labeled pesticides located at the North San Juan property. Photo courtesy of CDFW.
Illegal Chinese-labeled pesticides located at the North San Juan property. Photo courtesy of CDFW.

In total, nine people were arrested at six properties during the execution of the search warrants. Charges varied by offender but in total, included: H&S 11358(c) – illegal cannabis cultivation; 11350(A) – possession of a controlled substance; H&S 11358(d)(3)(C) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating section 5650, 5652 and/or 1602 of the Fish and Game; H&S 11358(d)(3)(D) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating 13260, 13264, 13272, or 13387 and/or 1602 of the Fish and Game Code; H&S 11359(b) – possession of illegal cannabis for sale; H&S 11366.5(A) – renting/using space for manufacturing, storing, or distributing any controlled substance; RTC 55363 – evading the payment of cannabis excise tax imposed under RTC sections beginning with RTC 34010; H&S 11358(D)(3)(B) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating 13260, 13264, 13272, or 13387 of the Water Code; PC 12022(A)(1) – committing a felony while armed with a deadly weapon; and PC 182(a)(1) – conspiracy to commit crime.

Burned fumigant located at the North San Property. Burning pesticide-treated material can create toxic smoke, posing health risks. Photo courtesy of CDFW
Burned fumigant located at the North San Property. Burning pesticide-treated material can create toxic smoke, posing health risks. Photo courtesy of CDFW

The 21 search warrants were executed as part of an ongoing joint agency collaboration between NCSO and CDFW with an emphasis on properties suspected of illegal cannabis operations while polluting California waterways/watersheds. Partners who assisted NCSO SIU and CDFW with the execution of the June and July search warrants and/or the investigations included the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Task Force, Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, State Water Resources Control Board, Nevada County Cannabis Compliance (a division of Nevada County Code Compliance), and Nevada County Environmental Health.

Community members who suspect illegal cannabis activity or other illegal drug activity are encouraged to call NCSO SIU at (530) 265-1471 with their tips or submit a tip anonymously online at https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/192/Sheriffs-Crime-Tip-Form.