NEVADA CITY — The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office executed eight search warrants in the month of August relating to illegal cannabis grows. On six properties searched on August 8th, 9th, 27th, and 28th, the Office seized 11,498 illegal cannabis plants and 11 illegal firearms. 497.5 lbs of processed cannabis were destroyed.

Two arrests were also made, one on the charge of illegal cannabis cultivation and the other for cultivation and possession of a controlled substance while armed. The Sheriff’s Office additionally discovered alleged felony environmental violations, all relating to polluting waterways with both chemicals and trash. The environmental violations were referred to the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office.

The busts came as a result of collaboration between several agencies, including California Fish and Wildlife, the Department of Cannabis Compliance, and the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Task Force.