California

“We Want to Stop This Problem”: Sheriff's Department Raids Alleged Illegal Marijuana Grow House in Santa Clara County

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department raided an alleged illegal marijuana grow operation that officials said was causing major environmental damage.

The Wednesday morning raid took place at a remote spot far up in the South County hills. The sheriff's office, with help from numerous other agencies, seized pot plants, equipment and chemicals.

"This is the first of many raids that we're going to be conducting throughout the summer," Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department Sgt. James Jensen said. "We want to stop this problem in Santa Clara County.

Investigators said the operation was expanding, with several greenhouses being built. In addition, the raid discovered equipment and chemicals associated with making so-called "honey oil" and "hashish."

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife sent its "Marijuana Enforcement Team" to accompany the sheriff's office in the raid. The department said marijuana grows are now the top environmental threats in the state, destroying land and stealing precious water in the midst of a severe drought.

"Between  2013 and 2014, conservation estimates 1.3 billion gallons of water destroyed or diverted by marijuana cultivation throughout the entire state of California," said Lt. John Nores Jr. of the department's Marijuana Enforcement Team.

Investigators said the property manager arrested in the raid could face criminal charges and new violations related to environmental destruction.

Officials said restoration efforts will begin soon in the area, but it could take years to repair the damage.

Contact Us