Vegetation Fire Reveals Massive Illegal Unregulated Indoor Marijuana Operation
Photo: illegal operation
THERMAL – A midday fire in the unincorporated area of Mecca brought Cal Fire to the scene on the 70- 600 block of Grant Street. Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputies assigned to the Thermal Station responded to assist on 04/21/2021 at 2:10 PM.
Amidst the vegetation fire, Cal Fire unveiled 45 greenhouses containing cannabis. The discovery led to an investigation, where Deputies assigned to the Southern Coachella Valley Community Service District Team (SCVCSDT), found an illegal, unregulated marijuana grow in their midst.
Once the smoke cleared, the result was a search warrant – authored and served with the combined assistance of the Coachella Community Action Team (CCAT), La Quinta Special Enforcement Team (SET), Thermal Station Investigation Bureau, Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CVVCGTF), and the La Quinta Traffic Team.
“Approximately 17,144 marijuana plants were eradicated with a total weight of approximately 19,120 pounds (9.55 tons),” said Sergeant Mariano Matos III. At this time, “no arrests were made during the incident.”
Anyone with any information regarding incident C211110026 is urged to contact Deputy Lorton with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at (760)863-8990, or Crime Stoppers at (760)341-STOP (7867).
MISSION STATEMENT: The goal of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is to keep all of our citizens safe while also improving the quality of life for those residing within the community. Marijuana cultivation negatively impacts the environment in many ways including diminishing and poisoning the water table and pesticides adversely affecting the health of neighboring residents. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has a zero-tolerance policy for these offenses. If you suspect drug activity in your area, please contact your local Sheriff’s Station.
