Illegal Marijuana Cultivation

Details:

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, members from the Southwest Agricultural Liaison Unit, Special Enforcement Team (SET), and Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), served a search warrant at an illegal marijuana cultivation operating at a private residence in the unincorporated area of Riverside County know as Winchester. The search warrant was authored in response to citizen complaints about the residence.

Upon arrival, deputies located several outbuildings containing marijuana plants in various stages of growth. During the service of the search warrant, deputies eradicated approximately 3100 marijuana plants. Deputies also collected 60 pounds of marijuana shake, 25 pounds of processed marijuana, 2 unregistered “ghost” handguns, a 33-round high capacity magazine, and 45 – 9mm rounds of ammunition. The electrical meters at both residences had been bypassed to steal electricity from Southern California Edison to run their operation. Per Southern California Edison, preliminary estimates put the amount of stolen electricity over $42,000.00.

The following suspects were arrested for Marijuana Cultivation (charges will be filed with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office):

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Deputy Lance Deforest at 951-696-3000.

The goal of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is to keep our citizens safe while also improving quality of life for those residing within the community. The illegal cultivation and sale of marijuana poses a great risk to neighboring residents. These operations also negatively impact cannabis businesses legally operating within Riverside County. 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.