“By executing search warrants targeting suspected illegal cannabis operations, law enforcement officers are working to protect the public, the environment, and those cannabis operations that have the proper licenses and permits.  Executing these search warrants can be dangerous as often weapons are found and seized.  We are thankful that no law enforcement officer was hurt in these efforts to combat illegal cannabis.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

NEVADA CITY – On July 9, 2025, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) announced the results of search warrants it and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) served in June to combat illegal cannabis operations in Nevada County.

NCSO and CDFW served eight search warrants between June 18-19th at properties throughout Nevada County, eradicating 12,342 plants and more than 1,329 pounds of processed cannabis. Two pistols, along with four upper receivers and two lower receivers that can be assembled into additional firearms, were confiscated at one private property in the 13000 block of Turkey Point Circle in Penn Valley on June 19.

Additionally, at one property on the 15000 block of Siskiyou Court in Grass Valley, Chinese-labeled Carbofuran was located on the property on June 19. Carbofuran is an extremely hazardous pesticide banned in the United States due to its toxicity to humans and the environment.

In total, six individuals were cited, and three individuals were arrested and booked into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility. Charges varied by each offender but included:

• 11358(c) – illegal cannabis cultivation;
• 11358(d)(3)(B) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating section 13260 of the Water Code;
• 11358(d)(3)(C) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating section 5620 or 5652 of the Fish and Game Code;
• 11358(d)(3)(D) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code;
• 182(A)(1) – conspiracy to commit crime;
• 11359 – possession of cannabis for sale;
• 12996(b) – intentional or negligent hazard to human health or the environment; and 11366.5(A) – renting/using space for manufacturing, storing, or distributing any controlled substance.

Partners who assisted NCSO and CDFW with the execution of June search warrants and/or the investigations included the

• Nevada County District Attorney’s Office,
• Nevada County Cannabis Compliance
• California Regional Water Quality Control Board,
• California Tax Franchise Board,
• Trident Task Force,
• National Guard,
• California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Additional search warrants will be executed throughout the summer and fall months. Community members who suspect illegal grow activity are encouraged to call NCSO, CDFW or Nevada County Cannabis Compliance.