March 3, 2021 - Los Banos, CA – On March 2, 2021, the Merced County Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET) worked with the Los Banos Police Department, Home Land Security, and Los Banos Fire Department to serve two search warrants for illegal indoor marijuana grows. The two marijuana grows were in the city of Los Banos located in the areas of Crystal Court and Alyssum Way. During the investigation, it was determined both residences were diverting power from PG&E and were found to be health and safety hazards due to all the mold. The Los Banos Fire Department condemned both residences due to the obvious hazards. There was a total of 2,753 plants eradicated and 10 pounds of finished product taken for destruction.
Sheriff Vern Warnke wants to remind everyone that the Merced County Sheriff’s Office is enforcing the cultivation laws regarding marijuana that the county has put in place in 2018. All outdoor marijuana grows are illegal and will be dealt with immediately and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Additionally, you are only allowed to grow 6 plants indoors. If you have questions about the laws regarding the cultivation and possession of marijuana, please call the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at 209-385-7445. The County Cannabis Ordinance details are as follows:
Personal Cultivation Restrictions reasonably regulated (Ord. 9.29.060):
- Personal use cannabis plants limited from twelve (12) to six (6)
- Cultivation can occur in either 1) within a single private residence; or 2) inside a fully enclosed and secure structure located upon the grounds of a private residence. Outdoor cultivation of any type, on any parcel is prohibited.
- Cultivation must comply with Building and Construction Code, Title 16.
- Cultivation cannot be conducted in a manner that constitutes a public nuisance.
Enforcement – penalty/consequences for noncompliance unchanged from previous Medical Marijuana Cultivation Ordinance
- Administrative Penalties for unlawful cannabis cultivation (Ordinance 9.29.083)
- All violations deemed a misdemeanor; Sheriff has the ability to abate unlawful cannabis cultivation (Ord. 9.29.200)
