Full Notification

DATE: November 13, 2022

INCIDENT: Continued Eradication of Illegal Marijuana Cultivation

LOCATION: San Bernardino County    


SUMMARY: On August 26, 2022, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) concluded their final week of Operation Hammer Strike. Since then, MET investigators, reinforced with newly funded MET positions from the County Board of Supervisors, have continued to combat illegal marijuana cultivation in San Bernardino County. 

Since August 26, 2022, MET investigators have served 127 search warrants at illegal cultivation locations, arresting 103 suspects. As a result of the search warrants, investigators have seized 158,906 marijuana plants, 29,897 pounds of processed marijuana, 30 firearms, 28,259 grams (62.3 pounds) of concentrated marijuana, 5,443 grams (11.9 pounds) of Psilocybin mushrooms, and seized approximately $1,643,688.00 in illicit proceeds. Investigators also eradicated 1,188 greenhouses found at these locations, and mitigated six electrical bypasses and seven Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extraction labs.

The investigations revealed the cannabis cultivations were not in compliance with California's Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) and San Bernardino County's ordinance prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity. San Bernardino County has a law prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity, which includes growing marijuana plants outdoors.  

The Sheriff's Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California's cannabis laws and San Bernardino County's cannabis cultivation and distribution ordinance. Persons found guilty of violating the state law and county ordinance are subject to fines, prosecution, and seizure of property.  

Property owners who are growing marijuana or are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their properties in violation of state law and local ordinances may also be subject to civil or criminal sanctions. Property owners are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement or code compliance agency to confirm if cultivating cannabis is prohibited or allowed under specific regulations.

Anyone with information regarding these investigations is urged to contact the Sheriff's Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909)387-8400 or [email protected]. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave the information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sheriff's Public Affairs Division      

Station: Gangs/Narcotics Division

Phone No. (909) 387-3700  
     

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department