Nevada County Destroys Cannabis, Psychedelic Mushrooms in Searches
Sheriff’s office alleges environmental violations at more than half the properties.
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Officers confiscated and destroyed 15 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms during enforcement operations.
Nevada County Sheriff's Office
NEVADA COUNTY – Sheriff’s detectives and state wildlife officers searched 18 suspected illegal cannabis operations in August and September, reporting environmental violations at more than half the properties, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced October 8.
The sheriff’s Special Investigation Unit and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife served warrants at 12 properties in Grass Valley, five in Nevada City, and one in Smartsville. The agencies destroyed 2,780 cannabis plants, 660 pounds of processed cannabis, and 15 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office said the environmental violations included water pollution, trash in or near waterways, water diversion, and damage to the environment. The joint operation prioritizes suspected illegal cultivation sites where investigators believe waterways or watersheds are being polluted.
Wildlife officers are peace officers authorized to enforce California law. The department’s cannabis enforcement work includes investigating environmental violations, removing illegal grows, and working with landowners to bring sites into compliance and repair damage.
The department’s environmental monitoring guidance explains that diverting stream water for cultivation during the dry season can reduce habitat for aquatic life and water available to wildlife. Reduced flows can also raise water temperatures.
The sheriff’s office reported a September 21 arrest at a Grass Valley property on suspicion of illegal cultivation, cultivation linked to environmental violations, and conspiracy.
The latest searches followed two earlier rounds this year. In April and May, the agencies served four warrants, destroyed 14,619 plants and 94 pounds of processed cannabis, and arrested two people.
In June and July, they searched 21 properties, destroyed 4,989 plants, seized 1,801.4 pounds of processed cannabis, and arrested nine people. Those searches included properties in Penn Valley and North San Juan as well as Grass Valley and Nevada City.
Additional cases from the August and September searches remain under investigation or have been referred to the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, the sheriff’s office said.