Illegal Marijuana Task Force Raids Two Separate Properties, Seizes & Destroys 11k Plants, 1.3k lbs. Processed Black-Market Cannabis; Code Enforcement Fines Total $79k; Watermasters Issue Violations (Photo)

IMET Cases 22-12207 & 22-12132

EAGLE POINT, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Patrol deputies served multiple search warrants this week on properties near Eagle Point, Ore. The warrants resulted in the seizure and destruction of 11,182 plants, and more than 1,300 lbs. of processed black-market cannabis. At this time there is no evidence suggesting the cases are connected.

IMET detectives served a search warrant this morning on the 2300 block of Brownsboro Highway in Eagle Point. Detectives seized and destroyed 6482 plants and approximately 1,300 lbs. of processed marijuana at the property. Detectives also seized 73.4 lbs. of processed cannabis for evidence. On site 11 subjects were contacted, interviewed, and released. The primary suspects were identified, and charges are being filed with the Jackson County District Attorney’s office. Jackson County Code Enforcement fined the property owner a total of $36,000 for failing to obtain marijuana production approval, unapproved greenhouse structures, unpermitted outbuildings, unpermitted electrical, mechanical and plumbing installations, and solid waste. Oregon Water Resources Department District 13 Watermasters will issue a Notice of Violation (NOV) to the responsible parties for pumping water from a pond without a surface water right. Water violations of this kind are subject to both civil and criminal penalties.

IMET detectives served a search warrant July 22 at the 10500 block of East Antelope Road in Eagle Point. On site four subjects were contacted, interviewed, and released. Detectives seized and destroyed 4700 plants and found $2000 in cash related to illegal marijuana production. The primary suspects have been identified and charges are pending review by the DA’s office. Code Enforcement issued citations totaling $43,000 on the property for violations of a previous marijuana production approval, unapproved greenhouse structures, unpermitted outbuildings, unpermitted electrical, mechanical and plumbing installations, and solid waste. Watermasters issued an NOV for using a domestic well for a commercial crop without a ground water right.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Medford Police Department, Code Enforcement, and the DA’s office. 

Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.

###