The city of Benicia filed a lawsuit Monday against the operators and property owner of what they say is an illegal cannabis cultivation operation.
Benicia police discovered the illegal operation in September while responding to a call for service at the property. The city has since filed a lawsuit with named defendants that include Evergreen Relief Inc., Dominic Chan, Marshall Tuttle, Janet Tuttle and Raglan Tuttle.
The lawsuit comes after both the business operator and property owner failed to shut down operations and cease the alleged illegal activities after city officials learned of them.
Nearly $500,000 in civil and administrative penalties will be sought from the defendants, according to the city.
"While the City of Benicia supports legal cannabis operations and welcomes new cannabis businesses that conform with the law, illegal operations that support the black market for cannabis will be dealt with swiftly and harshly," City Manager Lorie Tinfow said in a statement.
Benicia police encourage anyone with information about illegal cannabis operations to report it to authorities. Confidential reports can be made to (707) 745-3411.
