By Gina Yarbrough
Warner Springs, CA–Sheriff’s deputies obtained a search warrant Thursday to shutdown an illegal marijuana cultivation site in Warner Springs.
Detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Narcotics and Gangs Division, with the assistance of deputies from the Fallbrook Crime Suppression Team and members of the Special Enforcement Detail, served the warrant in the 38000 block of CA-79 in Warner Springs.
The warrant was part of an investigation by Sheriff’s detectives of illegal marijuana cultivation and sales in San Diego county. Detectives seized 427 live marijuana plants at the Warner Springs location with an estimated street value of nearly $500,000 dollars. In addition, seven firearms and approximately $10,000 in U.S. currency was seized.
San Diego County’s Code Enforcement, investigators from the California Water Board, and San Diego Gas & Electric also assisted in the operation.
Detectives discovered numerous violations creating a dangerous situation, as well as environmental-related crimes happening on the property due to the illegal cultivation. It is not uncommon for investigators to find dangerous chemicals, illegal pesticides and other hazardous materials used at unlicensed marijuana grow sites. These dangerous materials may enter the local groundwater supply and streams, creating environmental hazards.
Marijuana cultivation sites such as these are often the source of products unsafe for human consumption, which are sold at illegal dispensaries in the San Diego county communities, authorities said.
Investigators believe the marijuana at the Warner Springs grow site was destined for unlicensed Southern California marijuana shops.
