Illegal Marijuana Cultivation
September 17, 2024 – Lassen County Sheriff’s Office officials report that in August of this year, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and Lassen County Code Enforcement began an investigation into the illegal cultivation of marijuana occurring in the Ravendale area. Personnel from the Sheriff’s Office flew over two large, suspected grow sites in Ravendale, located off Tuledad Road. The grow sites were determined to be on two separate parcels. Both of the sites had approximately 18 large greenhouses, outbuildings and trailers. It was determined that marijuana was actively being grown at both sites and a search warrant for each site was issued.
On September 4, 2024, Personnel from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations executed search warrants on both parcels. Upon arrival, Lassen County Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) utilized a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) and made several announcements and the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team was deployed. No suspects were apprehended at either location.
The greenhouses, outbuildings and trailers were searched. Sheriff’s Office personnel located approximately 5,800 marijuana plants at the first location. The second location was searched and Sheriff’s Office personnel located an additional 4,200 marijuana plants. Also located at both sites were harvested marijuana. The marijuana found at both locations was eradicated along with the greenhouses and cultivation material used in supporting the illegal operation.
The owners of record for both properties will be taxed based on the size of each greenhouse located.
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Lassen County Code Enforcement, Lassen County Environmental Health, Lassen County Road Department, California Highway Patrol Air Operations Division and SEMSA for their assistance with this operation.
Lt. Wes Gray
Source & photos: Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
