Investigators seized 1,455 marijuana plants, one semi-automatic shotgun, and 2,438.6 pounds of processed marijuana in an early morning search of an outdoor marijuana cultivation in Oro Grande.
After receiving several complaints about a possible illegal outdoor marijuana cultivation, San Bernardino County Marijuana Enforcement Team officers, in conjunction with Fish and Wildlife Wardens and San Bernardino Sherrif’s deputies from several stations, served a search warrant at that location. The search took place on Friday, July 02, 2021, around 7:00 am near the 14700 block of Harris Lane in Oro Grande.
Marijuana Enforcement Team personnel located and arrested eight suspects, including a 22-year-old male from Ontario and a 29-year-old male from Huntington Beach. And from San Bernardino, a 43-year-old female, 23-year-old male, 50-year-old male, 18-year-old male, 29-year-old male, and a 26-year-old female. They also seized 1,455 marijuana plants, one semi-automatic shotgun, and almost 2,440 pounds of processed marijuana, most of which had been packaged in one-pound bags. The estimated wholesale value of the processed marijuana is about $2.5 million or $1025 per pound.
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.
It was determined that the cannabis cultivation was 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. Fish and Wildlife Wardens will pursue felony charges of Altering a Streambed and Cultivation of Marijuana within a Streambed.
Property owners who are growing marijuana or are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their properties violate the state law and local ordinances; they 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.
To report possible illegal marijuana grows or activities, call the CalCannabis tip line at 1-833-933-3847 (1-833-WEED-TIP) and the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME) or leave information at www.wetip.com.
Additionally, call the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at 1-909-387-8400 or email NARC-MET@sbcsd.org and let the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors know by emailing the San Bernardino County Clerk of the Board at COB@sbcounty.gov. Residents can also speak to the supervisors during their board meetings. This can be done in person or virtually at one of the county’s several government centers. Visit sbcounty.gov/main/pages/BOS for more information.
Residents can also report suspected violations to Code Enforcement via their website at sbcountylus.force.com/lus/servicetypes.
The Phelan Pinon Hills Community Services Department is hosting a Town Hall on the topic of “Community Safety.” Representatives from the County, State, and Federal Government will be attending. The Town Hall will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 9:30 am in Phelan Community Park, located at 4176 Warbler Road in Phelan. Visit www.pphcsd.org for more information. Residents are encouraged to email questions for their representatives to townhall@pphcsd.org
