September 5, 2025 – Grass Valley, CA – Nevada County Sheriff's Office officials report that between July and August of this year, members of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) together executed search warrants at 16 suspected illegal cannabis operations throughout Nevada County, including nine properties in Grass Valley, four in Nevada City, one in Rough and Ready, one in Penn Valley, and one in North San Juan. All locations were found to have illegal cannabis operations.

In total, NCSO and CDFW eradicated 17,345 plants and 917.7 lbs. of processed cannabis. Two firearms were seized at one property and at another property, illegal and highly toxic Chinese pesticides, believed to contain Imidacloprid, Isoprocarb, Pyridaben and Cypermethrin, were located and seized.

Two individuals were cited, and two additional individuals were arrested and booked into Wayne Brown Correctional Facility. Charges varied by each offender but included H&S 11359(b) - possession of cannabis for sale; H&S 11358(c) - illegal cannabis cultivation; H&S 11358(d)(3)(B) - illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating 13260, 13264, 13272, and/or 13387 of the Water Code; H&S11358(d)(3)(D) - illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating 13260, 13264, 13272, or 13387 of the Water Code; HS 11358(d)(3)(C) - illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating section 5650, 5652 and/or 1602 of the Fish and Game Code; 182(A)(1) - conspiracy to commit crime; Food & Agri 12995 – possession of an illegal pesticide; and Food & Agri12996 – possession of an illegal pesticide.

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Partners who assisted NCSO SIU and CDFW with the execution of July and August search warrants and/or the investigations included the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Task Force, the National Guard, County of Nevada, CA Cannabis Compliance (a division of Nevada County Code Compliance), Placer County Sheriff's Office, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the Nevada County District Attorney's Office.

Additional search warrants will be executed throughout the summer and fall months. Community members who suspect illegal grow activity are encouraged to call NCSO, CDFW or Nevada County Cannabis Compliance. Tips may also be submitted anonymously at: www.nevadacountyca.gov/192/Sheriffs-Crime-Tip-Form.

Source & photo: Nevada County Sheriff's Office