RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENTSheriff Chad Bianco |
| Press Release: | Illegal Marijuana Cultivation
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| Station Area: | Anza |
| Written Date: | October 6, 2020 | Time: | 10:00 AM |
| Incident Date: | October 5, 2020 | Time: | 7:00 AM |
| Incident Location: | Woodview Road and Saddleback Road, Anza
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| Reporting Officer: | Master Investigator Roman Pluimer
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| File Number(s): | R202740009
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Details:
On Monday October 5, 2020, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) directed an operation targeting outdoor illegal marijuana cultivations in the unincorporated area of Anza. The operation was supported by members from California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Over the course of the operation team members worked to eradicate illegal cultivation sites on over 140 acres of private land. Over 4,500 marijuana plants were eradicated. In addition, over 11,000 pounds of processed marijuana were recovered from a warehouse and multiple makeshift processing sheds. The combination of processed marijuana and future harvest of the eradicated plants has an estimated street value of $36 million.
These illegal cultivations cause deforestation, destroy wildlife habitats, pose a threat to the citizens of Riverside County, and utilize hazardous chemical pollutants that cause damage to the environment. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department remains dedicated to eradicating these illegal cultivation sites.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator Roy at (951) 955-1700.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.