Illegal Marijuana grows are causing significant problems in Southern Oregon

 Oregon State Police

Local Law Enforcement around Jackson County have been working with the local water masters and code enforcement officers to combat the problems associated with illegal grows.  

On Thursday, June 10, 2021, the Oregon State Police Drug Enforcement Section Southwest Region marijuana team served a search warrant at adjoining properties in the 1500 block of Alta Vista Rd. and the 700 block of Riley Rd. Eagle Point, Oregon.  The investigation involved a substantial illegal marijuana-growing operation.  

Upon initial service of the search warrant, both property owners were contacted and detained without incident.  A total of 74 greenhouses, two barns, and two outdoor growing areas containing illegal marijuana plants were located on the properties.  In all, 52,804 illegal marijuana plants were seized and destroyed.  Five firearms and some US Currency were also seized.  Additionally, Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued one of the property owners a citation for the unpermitted greenhouse structures and unpermitted electrical installations within those greenhouses.  The property owner faces a potential fine of $300,000.00 for these violations.

The Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 also responded to the scene and subsequently issued Wetzel a citation for enlargement of their existing water rights due to unapproved diversions of surface water.

OSP was assisted during the investigation by the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) of Jackson County, the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET), the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team, Jackson County Code Enforcement, and the Oregon Water Resources Department District 13.  

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