Illegal Marijuana Operation Disrupted in Rural Central Point

Near Central Point, Oregon- In a significant crackdown on illegal marijuana cultivation, the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) executed a search warrant on Friday morning, August 2nd, targeting an illicit cannabis grow site located in the 5900 block of Highway 234 in rural Central Point. The operation led to the seizure of approximately 39,000 marijuana plants, $3,000 in cash, and two firearms. None of the activities at the site were licensed, covering all aspects of cannabis growing, handling, and processing.

IMET detained seven individuals on the property, and charges are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. The operation was supported by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers. This site had previously drawn attention on April 16, 2024, when Jackson County Fire District 3 responded to reports of three large piles of prohibited materials being burned.

Compounding the legal troubles, the Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section plans to issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to those responsible for the unauthorized appropriation of water from Snider Creek. This unauthorized water usage could result in both civil and criminal penalties. Watermasters estimated that stopping the illicit water use at this point saved roughly 1.5 million gallons.

Additionally, Jackson County Code Enforcement imposed $64,000 in fines for various violations at the site. These fines were related to solid waste, non-permitted construction of a large pole barn structure, non-permitted electrical installations, and failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production. Solid waste violations stemmed from the improper disposal of plastic materials, including PVC piping and plastic sheeting, which were burned and buried in April.

Prior to the materials being buried and burned, Code Enforcement had already cited the landowner for above-ground waste. Residual ashes and materials remaining near the burn piles were a further violation of the county’s solid waste ordinance, resulting in additional citations.

IMET, a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, continues to focus on dismantling the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. The task force comprises personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. Investigations remain ongoing as detectives pursue additional leads.