Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives along with Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies served a search warrant on a marijuana grow site in rural Central Point early yesterday morning.
The property, located on the 6000 block of Foley Road in Central Point, contained approximately 5,014 illegal cannabis plants in 21 temporary “hoop-style” greenhouses and two permanent greenhouses, as well as 100 lbs. of processed black-market marijuana, $5,440 in cash, and two firearms.
The illegal cannabis was seized and destroyed on site. Subjects on scene were detained, interviewed, and released. Detectives identified additional suspects and investigations are ongoing.
This case was the result of a months-long investigation of an illegal/black market marijuana growing operation. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene to conduct an independent investigation. Code Enforcement issued citations totaling $61,000 for unapproved marijuana production, unapproved greenhouses and outbuildings, unapproved electrical installations, occupied RV’s, solid waste, and burning of household trash.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
Courtesy of JCSO
