San Andreas, CA…On June 3rd, 9th, and 12th, 2020, the Calaveras Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served three (3) unrelated search warrants for illegal marijuana cultivation on locations in Railroad Flat, Vallecito, and Valley Springs. On June 3rd, Deputies served a search warrant on a site located in the 1400 block of West Forty Road in Railroad Flat. Deputies seized 356 growing marijuana plants and 18 pounds of processed marijuana. The grow site showed evidence of previously being outdoors and recently moved into indoor growing rooms on the property. Additionally, one firearm was seized. No suspects have been arrested at this time, however, evidence was collected at the scene and the investigation is ongoing.

On June 9th, Deputies served a search warrant on a site with no address, near the vicinity of Camp Nine Road and Skunk Gulch Road in Murphys, CA. This parcel did not have a residence on it, and due to its remote location, deputies had to do some hiking and utilize off-road-vehicles to get to the grow site and remove the marijuana. Deputies eradicated 1,156 growing marijuana plants. A large camping area was also discovered at the site. One AR-15 type firearm was located and seized in the camping area. The AR-15 firearm was not marked with any serial number and had not been manufactured commercially. No suspects were contacted at the scene; however, evidence was collected, and the investigation is ongoing.

On June 12th, Deputies served a search warrant at a residence located in the 5000 block of Bergsma Lane in Valley Springs. Deputies seized 695 growing marijuana plants, 6 grams of concentrated marijuana, and a small amount of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Evidence of a marijuana concentration operation utilizing butane was located and seized along with other evidence. Calaveras County Code Compliance was contacted due to extensive illegal wiring. The occupant of the residence was in the custody of the Calaveras County Jail on unrelated charges during the service of the search warrant. The case will continue to be investigated and forwarded to the District Attorney for prosecution.

The Calaveras Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with knowledge of illegal marijuana operations to call the Sheriff’s Anonymous Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.