Joint Operation Targeting Illegal Cannabis Operations Yields 21 Search Warrants and Nine Arrests in Nevada County
NEVADA COUNTY, CA — Between June and July, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Special Investigation Unit and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) executed 21 search warrants at properties associated with suspected illegal cannabis operations across Nevada County.
Officers served warrants at 11 properties in Nevada City, eight in Grass Valley, one in Penn Valley, and one in North San Juan. The operation resulted in the eradication of 4,989 plants and the seizure of 1,801.4 pounds of processed cannabis.
According to officials, investigators observed environmental concerns and additional illicit activity at several locations, including water pollution, trash, environmental damage, prohibited pesticides, and evidence of drug trade. Searches at two Nevada City locations yielded psilocybin mushrooms, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) tablets, white powder suspected to be methamphetamine, and multiple legal and illegal firearms, including one loaded weapon. A site in North San Juan contained illegal pesticides imported from China. Law enforcement confiscated all drugs, paraphernalia, weapons, and illegal chemical products.
Nine individuals were arrested across six properties on various charges, including illegal cannabis cultivation, possession of controlled substances, illegal cultivation combined with Fish and Game or Water Code violations, illegal possession for sale, renting space for controlled substance activity, evading cannabis excise taxes, weapon-related offenses, and criminal conspiracy.
The joint enforcement initiative focused on illegal operations impacting local watersheds. The effort included support from the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis Task Force, Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, State Water Resources Control Board, Nevada County Cannabis Compliance, and Nevada County Environmental Health.
Authorities encourage community members to report suspected illegal drug operations to the NCSO Special Investigation Unit.
