ANZA -   On October 7, 2019, California Department of Fish and Wildlife wardens assisted the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Regional Water Quality Control Board in serving nine marijuana cultivation search warrants in the unincorporated county area of Anza.  During the service, approximately 4,131 illegally grown marijuana plants and 1,029 pounds of processed marijuana were seized for a total of approximately 10 tons.  Nine hundred dollars and two firearms were also seized.

“There really is no excuse for cultivating marijuana illegally,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.   “Executing search warrants at suspected illegal grows puts law enforcement officers in danger as the suspected growers are often armed.  In addition, those growing marijuana illegally often cause harm to the soil, water and wildlife, that makes CDFW wardens essential on these types of busts.”

Two suspects, identified John C. Crieg, 68  and George Hanin, 61, both Anza residents, were located at separate grow sites.  Charges will be filed with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office for illegal marijuana cultivation.