Video Available from latest Search Warrant: https://vimeo.com/841295147?share=copy
Note: Photos from Latest Search Warrant
IMET Cases 23-2449, 23-8049, 23-8110, 23-9927
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served search warrants at four black-market cannabis grows over the last month throughout Jackson County. Overall, IMET detectives seized approximately 11,492 plants on four separate properties. Currently, investigators have no reason to believe the properties are connected.
IMET detectives and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies served a search warrant yesterday morning around 6 a.m. in the 10900 block of Ashland-Climax Road north of Ashland. On the property IMET detectives discovered 22 greenhouses with approximately 6,816 illegal cannabis plants. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. There was no one on scene when the search warrant was served. IMET detectives are conducting further investigations to identify the subjects involved.
Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters came to the scene to conduct an independent investigation. Watermasters issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible parties for the appropriation of ground water for irrigation and storage without a water right at an illegal commercial operation. Water violations of this kind are subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued citations to the landowner totaling $48,000 for violations including failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production, unpermitted greenhouse structures, unpermitted electrical and mechanical installations, and solid waste. Additionally, the dwelling on the property was deemed hazardous and declared a dangerous building, meaning the property owner must immediately vacate, and secure the building against entry. Then, they are required to either demolish or remediate to comply with current building codes.
IMET served the first search warrant on Thursday, May 25th just after 8:00 a.m. in rural Rogue River, Ore. IMET Detectives and JCSO deputies served the search warrant at a property in the 19300 block of East Evans Creek Road. While searching, IMET detectives discovered three greenhouses with approximately 1,263 illegal cannabis plants. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location.
Watermasters estimated that the black-market marijuana grow illegally consumed roughly 1,200 gallons of water per day, for a total of 36,000 gallons over the previous 30 days. This conservative estimation is based upon each of the 1,263 plants using roughly one gallon per day with the average age of the plants being approximately 30 days. Watermasters issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible parties for the appropriation of ground water for irrigation and storage at an illegal commercial operation. Water violations of this kind are subject to both civil and criminal penalties.
Code Enforcement issued citations to the land owner totaling $13,000 for violations including failure to obtain land use approval for marijuana production, prohibited use of RV’s within a marijuana grow site, unpermitted grading, solid waste, and unpermitted electrical associated with an unpermitted well pump.
IMET detectives served the second search warrant in the 100 block of Hamilton Road in Jacksonville on Friday May 26th around 8 a.m. A man ran from the illegal marijuana grow and hid in the blackberry bushes in an attempt to evade capture as Law Enforcement Officers gave commands for him to stop. The man was apprehended a few minutes later and was identified as Daniel Nava-Valdez, 25, of Jacksonville. At the unlicensed marijuana grow investigators discovered a total of 1,163 marijuana plants. Nava-Valdez was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful manufacture of marijuana, and interfering with a peace officer. He was lodged in the Jackson County Jail.
Code Enforcement issued citations to the landowner totaling $5,000. Violations include unapproved greenhouse structures, unapproved electrical installations, solid waste, and prohibited use of an RV within a marijuana grow site. There were no water violations of any kind on the property.
IMET detectives served the third search warrant in the 15600 block of block of East Evans Creek Road in rural Rogue River Friday, June 2nd around 8 a.m. At the unlicensed marijuana grow investigators discovered a total of approximately 2,250 marijuana plants. Multiple subjects were on scene and charges are pending Jackson County District Attorney’s Office review. The landowner was cited by Watermasters for using surface water without a valid water right. Water violations of this kind are subject to both civil and criminal penalties. Code Enforcement cited the landowner for a total fine of $15,000. Violations included unpermitted greenhouse structures, marijuana production without land use approval, prohibited camping within a marijuana production area, and solid waste.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Jackson County Code Enforcement, Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
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