EAST COUNTY–Deputies at the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station served a search warrant at an alleged illegal marijuana dispensary in Spring Valley on Sunday morning.
Deputies conducted an investigation at The Green Room, located in the 9000 Block of Olive Drive, in response to complaints from neighbors and businesses.
Authorities seized more than 400 pounds of marijuana and $3,500 in cash at the business.
Freddie Tyson, 34, was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In California, it is illegal for a convicted felon to be in possession of a firearm.
The County’s Code Compliance team will visit the site to ensure a complete shutdown of the facility.
“We always listen to concerns from the community. Complaints about illegal pot shops are evaluated on a case by case basis,” the Sheriff’s Department wrote in a news release.
The warrant follows community concerns about illegal marijuana dispensaries operating near schools and residential areas.
Authorities said unregulated facilities attract criminals involved in other illicit drugs, and are often the catalyst for violent crime, property crime, and financial crime that affect residents and other local businesses. Products sold at unlicensed facilities are cultivated and manufactured using processes which may be harmful to consumers and are often marketed to children, creating a public safety hazard.
The County Board of Supervisors recently allocated $500,000 to help with the enforcement of unlicensed marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated San Diego county. The Sheriff’s Department has partnered with the county to investigate illegal operations of the dispensaries to protect the community.
