Above: Scene of Illegal Cannabis Operation | Courtesy of NCSO
The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Special Investigation Unit (SIU) executed five search warrants in July, targeting suspected illegal cannabis operations across Nevada County. This effort led to the destruction of 15,239 illegal cannabis plants and 4,271.2 pounds of processed cannabis. Additionally, Raul Rojas Morales, 36, of Grass Valley, was arrested on July 5, facing charges of illegal cannabis cultivation and six environmental felonies.
The searches took place at two properties in Grass Valley on July 5th and at three properties in Smartsville on July 30th. These operations were conducted in collaboration with several agencies, including California Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Cannabis Compliance, Nevada County Code Compliance, the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Task Force, and the California Department of Water Resources.
During these searches, authorities uncovered numerous environmental violations. These included violations of California Fish and Game Code 5652(a) for dumping trash into a waterway, Fish and Game Code 5650 for releasing harmful chemicals into a waterway, and Fish and Game Code 1602(a) for unauthorized water diversion. An unregistered firearm was also seized at one of the properties in Smartsville.
NCSO Detective Martinez highlighted the environmental hazards posed by illegal cannabis grows. “When we clear out illegal grows, they often involve hazardous chemicals, polluted water, no running water, and even human excrement,” Martinez stated. “These are not clean, safe grows. These are grows that contaminate the environment and use dangerous chemicals on their plants for human consumption.”
Community members who suspect illegal grow activity are encouraged to contact the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office or Nevada County Code Compliance. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Nevada County Sheriff’s Crime Tip Form available at https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/192/Sheriffs-Crime-Tip-Form.
