Nevada County tightens its crackdown on illegal cannabis cultivation

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“Nevada City, CA – Because illegal cannabis operations exist throughout Nevada County, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) cracks down on illegal grows. Each year, in conjunction with known growing seasons, members of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit search for and shut down illegal grows and will cite and arrest offenders when necessary.
Seven search warrants have been executed in recent weeks, resulting in 9,907 illegal plants being destroyed and two people being arrested at two of the seven sites investigated, including Jeffrey Curtis, 54, of Auburn and Everardo Pacheco Morales, 63, of Grass Valley. Two illegal firearms were found and seized at a third site in Nevada City.

“Many of the crops we have eradicated over the years were not only illegal, but also had significant environmental impacts, such as illegal dumping of hazardous chemicals and human waste into our local waterways and rivers,” explained NCSO Detective Vincent Martinez. “Others pose fire hazards, among other environmental problems.”

The search warrants affected properties in Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn and Smartsville. Additional search warrants are expected to be executed in July. Enhanced enforcement will remain in effect throughout the growing season and into the fall.

NCSO works closely with Nevada County Code Compliance and other partner agencies to investigate illegal cannabis.

Helicopter overpasses are conducted regularly over Nevada County and all tips and leads from concerned citizens are thoroughly investigated. Community members who suspect illegal grow activities are asked to call the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office or Nevada County Code Compliance. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/192/Sheriffs-Crime-Tip-Form.

Originally published by Nevada County Sheriff’s Office

Nevada County tightens its crackdown on illegal cannabis cultivation was last modified: July 3, 2024 from Administrator