San Diego County Sheriff's Department: Illegal Marijuana Grow - Warner Springs

Press release from San Diego County Sheriff's Department:

09/08/2021 11:10 PM

On September 8, 2021, at approximately 7:00 a.m., detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff's Department’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) executed a search warrant at 35288 Highway 79 in Warner Springs. The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation by detectives of illegal marijuana cultivation and sales in San Diego County. 

MET was assisted by deputies from the Vista Patrol Station's Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (C.O.P.P.S.) Unit, deputies from the Special Enforcement Detail (SED), and law enforcement personnel from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. As a result of the search warrant, detectives seized 3,832 live marijuana plants with an estimated street value of nearly $1,437,000. 

Detectives discovered hazardous material on the property due to the illegal cultivation.  It is not uncommon for investigators to find dangerous chemicals, illegal pesticides, and other hazardous materials used at unlicensed marijuana grow sites.  These dangerous materials may enter the local ground water supply and streams, creating extreme environmental hazards. 

Marijuana cultivation sites such as these are often the source of products unsafe for human consumption, which are sold at illegal dispensaries in our communities.  Investigators believe the marijuana at the Warner Springs grow site was destined for unlicensed Southern California marijuana dispensaries. 

 The warrant follows community concerns about illegal marijuana operations near schools and residential areas.  We want to assure those we serve know the San Diego County Sheriff's Department is listening to the community and recognizes the negative impact illegal marijuana grows have on our neighborhoods.  

This press release was produced by San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.