“Illegal cannabis cultivation sites are a threat to public safety and our environment. Illegal weapons are often associated with them, as well as pollution to our land and water. Investigating these sites can be extremely dangerous for law enforcement. We appreciate the searches, seizures, and arrests as that contributes to community safety and the protection of our natural resources.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
NEVADA COUNTY – On August 11, 2026, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) announced the results of its investigation into suspected illegal cannabis operations. Between June and July, NCSO’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) investigated 21 suspected illegal cannabis operations serving search warrants at:
- 11 properties in Nevada City,
- eight in Grass Valley,
- one in Penn Valley,
- and one in North San Juan.
In total, NCSO and CDFW:
- eradicated 4,989 plants,
- seized 1,801.4 lbs. of processed cannabis,
- uncovered several illicit drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) tablets (also known as acid), and white powder suspected to be methamphetamine,
- discovered numerous firearms (both legal and illegal), one of which was loaded,
- found illegal pesticides from China,
- arrested nine people.
The 21 search warrants were executed as part of an ongoing joint agency collaboration between NCSO and CDFW with an emphasis on properties suspected of illegal cannabis operations while polluting California waterways/watersheds.
Partners who assisted NCSO SIU and CDFW included the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Task Force, Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, State Water Resources Control Board, Nevada County Cannabis Compliance (a division of Nevada County Code Compliance), and Nevada County Environmental Health.
Community members who suspect illegal cannabis activity or other illegal drug activity are encouraged to call NCSO SIU at (530) 265-1471 with their tips or submit a tip anonymously online at https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/192/Sheriffs-Crime-Tip-Form.
