An investigation was underway Friday to identify the individuals responsible for operating illegal marijuana grow sites in the Anza Valley where Riverside County sheriff’s deputies seized nearly 9,000 plants and more than two tons of processed weed.
During an operation Thursday, deputies, county Department of Code Enforcement personnel and California Department of Fish & Wildlife officers conducted a sweep targeting five separate grows around the unincorporated community of Anza.
Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Anthony Pelato said that warrants were served at each location, though no one was found at any of the sites, and no arrests were made.
According to Pelato, a total 8,852 cannabis plants in various stages of growth were confiscated, along with 4,500 pounds of processed product.
Pelato said that some of the marijuana was being cultivated in greenhouses.
The sheriff’s spokesman said “a large cache of rifle and pistol ammunition” was also seized, but no guns.
The Anza Valley has been identified by area law enforcement officials as one of the leading illegal cultivation locations countywide. Raids are conducted in the area on a re-occurring basis.
In past Board of Supervisors’ hearings on water conservation, the illegal cannabis cultivation sites have been blamed for spikes in criminal activity and drawing down water tables, as well as introducing pesticides into aquifers.
The board has authorized some indoor cultivation sites in unincorporated areas, but the enterprises are strictly regulated and limited to commercially zoned locations. No outdoor commercial marijuana sites have been approved.