Photo: (Photo: Yarygin, Getty Images/iStockphoto)
SISKIYOU COUNTY – The SCSO discovered an illicit marijuana operation and released the results on May 22.
The SIMIT (Siskiyou Interagency Marijuana Investigation team) recently targeted five parcels in the Klamath River Country Estates.
As a result, authorities seized 727 marijuana plants and 80 pounds of processed cannabis.
Recent Results
Most noteworthy, the SIMIT estimates that the plants are worth $8.7 million and the processed marijuana $319,000.
Members engaged in the operation encountered a man, woman, 18-year-old male and infant at the site. The two adults face charges of child endangerment. The 18-year-old’s charges are illegal cultivation of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.
2017 Totals
In 2017 SIMIT seized a total of 27,798 cannabis plants worth $333 million. They also seized 17,047 pounds of marijuana worth $68 million.
Sheriff Jon Lopey said, “We have seen hundreds of large-scale illicit cannabis grow sites in many county areas. However, thus far during 2018, we have seen a reduction in the number of illicit cultivation plots. Existing county guidelines do not permit more than 12 cannabis plants. The 12 plants are required to be grown in an approved indoor structure.”
Negative Side Effects
Illegal grow sites often produce “garbage, raw sewage, illegal water diversions and other adverse impacts.” Authorities estimate that grow sites can divert up to 3 million gallons of water a day.
Lieutenant LaRue added, “If anyone has information about an illegal marijuana cultivation site, please contact the SCSO’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.”
