Authorities Seize Nearly 4,000 Marijuana Plants in Rogue Valley Black Market Bust

Near Jacksonville, Oregon- The Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) carried out a search warrant on Thursday, September 19, targeting an illegal cannabis operation in a remote area along Yale Creek Road, south of Jacksonville. The operation, which was conducted in conjunction with local law enforcement, led to the seizure of approximately 3,978 marijuana plants and six firearms.

The grow site was located in a heavily forested area and was found to be littered with debris, including piles of trash, broken-down vehicles, tires, fertilizers, and chemicals, all of which posed environmental hazards. Investigators also discovered that the operation was illegally siphoning water from a nearby creek on National Forest land.

The property was unlicensed for any form of cannabis cultivation, handling, or processing. Two suspects were detained at the scene, and charges for felony marijuana manufacture and possession are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

The search also revealed evidence of suspected poaching, which has been handed over to the Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife division for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Regulatory Action and Fines Issued

In addition to the criminal investigation, Jackson County Code Enforcement issued fines totaling $25,000 to two separate landowners for multiple violations. These included unpermitted construction, failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production, the use of a camping vehicle within a marijuana production area, and improper waste disposal.

The Oregon Water Resources Department’s Enforcement section also investigated the property’s water usage. Watermasters on-site issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) for unauthorized water appropriation from a tributary of Yale Creek, an offense subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

Task Force Efforts Against Black-Market Cannabis

IMET, a multi-agency task force focused on combating the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley, led the investigation. The task force, which is funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, includes personnel from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.

While regulatory agencies continue to monitor licensed cannabis operations in the area, IMET remains focused on eradicating illegal grows. Investigations into the case are ongoing, with detectives following additional leads.