Between Sept. 27 and Oct. 1, investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department - Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) served 26 search warrants at various locations in Lucerne Valley, Wonder Valley, Twentynine Palms, Apple Valley, Phelan, Pinon Hills, and Newberry Springs. MET personnel received numerous complaints about large outdoor marijuana cultivations in these areas.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s personnel arrested 38 suspects. Investigators seized nearly 25,000 marijuana plants, more than 9,600 pounds of processed marijuana, 10 guns, and $302,000. Investigators eradicated 189 greenhouses at these locations, along with five residences that contained indoor cultivations. Investigators mitigated five electrical bypasses.
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.
Property owners who are growing marijuana or are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their properties in violation of the 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 this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909)387-8400 or NARC-MET@sbcsd.org. 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 website at www.wetip.com.
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