Multiple Black-Market Cannabis Grows Owned by Same Individual, Raided

Courtesy of JCSO

The Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, made significant strides in their efforts to curb the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. In a series of operations conducted this month, three illegal cannabis grows, all owned by a California resident, were busted.

The first raid took place on the 2500 block of Sykes Creek Road in rural Rogue River. IMET detectives and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies executed a search warrant, leading to the discovery of approximately 863 black-market cannabis plants, 41 pounds of processed marijuana, and 4.7 pounds of THC-infused candy. During the operation, one individual was detained.

Following the initial bust, the same property owner’s another property located in the 9200 block of Butte Falls Highway in rural Eagle Point faced the authorities. The IMET detectives, along with the Oregon State Police (OSP) Southwest Region Drug Enforcement Team and JCSO deputies, found 10 hoop houses containing roughly 3,704 illegal cannabis plants. Four subjects were detained at the scene and are awaiting charges from the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

The third and final raid targeted a property in the 9000 block of West Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River on the same day. IMET detectives located five greenhouses with approximately 2,880 illegal marijuana plants. Six subjects were present during the warrant execution, and further investigations are underway to charge those involved.

In addition to the law enforcement actions, Code Enforcement played a crucial role in holding the property owner accountable. Fines totaling $281,471, $256,860, and $12,000 were issued for numerous violations on the respective properties, including failure to obtain land use approval, unpermitted electrical installations, and unauthorized use of camping vehicles within marijuana grow sites.

Furthermore, the responsible party was issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) by the Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters for unlawfully appropriating surface water from Quartz Creek. The violation is subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

The IMET, funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, is committed to combatting the illegal marijuana trade. Collaborating with agencies like JCSO, Medford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office, the task force continues to work on the ongoing investigations and follows up on leads related to black-market cannabis operations in the region.

As the investigations remain open and active, the authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal marijuana cultivation and trade. Further details on the case are yet to be released to the public.