By Gina Yarbrough
Spring Valley, CA–Sheriff’s Department detectives Friday served search warrants at two east county illegal marijuana dispensaries, and arrested 11 people on suspicion of operating them, authorities said Saturday.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Marijuana Enforcement Team, with the assistance of Sheriff deputies from the Santee Patrol Station’s Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit, Sheriff deputies from the Lakeside Patrol Station’s Crime Suppression Team, and Sheriff deputies from the Special Enforcement Detail, served the warrants at 7 a.m. at the dispensaries in the 600 block of Grand Avenue and in the 700 block of Grand Avenue in Spring Valley.
Detectives seized four loaded firearms, approximately $30,000 in U.S. currency, 415.5 pounds of processed marijuana, 448.5 pounds of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) infused edibles, 406 pounds of THC vape products, 397 pounds of concentrated marijuana, 319 pounds of THC infused drinks, and two tactical plate carriers at the dispensary in the 700 block location.
Detectives went to the other dispensary in the 600 block location and seized approximately $5,500 in U.S. currency, 158 pounds of THC infused edibles, 63 pounds of processed marijuana, 131 pounds of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vape products, 35 pounds of concentrated marijuana, and 48 pounds of THC infused drinks.
Authorities discovered several THC-infused edibles which falsely appeared to be legitimate candy. It is not uncommon for unlicensed and unregulated cannabis dispensaries to market their dangerous product to children. Additionally, THC-infused food products closely resembling well-known name brands may be inadvertently consumed, creating potential health and safety risks, Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Kamon Harris stated.
Sheriff’s Detectives were accompanied by San Diego County’s Code Compliance Team, who noted several violations in the illegal dispensaries creating a danger to its occupants. County Code Compliance requested San Diego Gas and Electric to cut off power to both dispensaries until the dangers could be mitigated.
The warrant follows community concerns about illegal marijuana dispensaries near schools and residential areas.
Felony charges will be filed with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office against the people arrested at the illegal dispensaries.
