San Andreas, CA…On June 15, 2020, the Calaveras County Marijuana Enforcement Unit served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at a residence located in the 400 block of Blossom Lane in Railroad Flat. This location was subject to previous search warrants and had been eradicated in 2019 and in May of 2020. Deputies seized 3,068 growing marijuana plants. It was clear that the growers were using this site as a nursery to reproduce marijuana plants. No suspects were located at the scene; however, evidence was seized, and the investigation is ongoing.

On June 18, 2020, an unrelated search warrant was served at a residence located in the 8000 block of Cave City Road in Mountain Ranch. Deputies seized 517 growing marijuana plants and 72 pounds of processed marijuana. The residence had been converted to an indoor growing facility and contained hazardous electrical connections, which is typical of these operations. Code Compliance was called to the residence and the Code Enforcement Officer “Red Tagged” the structure.

During the investigation, aerosol foggers containing chemicals not legal for use on cannabis were discovered within the growing areas. No suspects were located at the scene; however, evidence was seized, and the investigation is ongoing.

It should be noted that the Marijuana Enforcement Team serves numerous search warrants monthly. During these search warrants, evidence is collected, which is used to further the case and overall investigation. The mere fact that no persons were contacted or arrested at some of the locations does not imply that the case is complete. For weeks and/or months following a warrant, the investigation into each site continues. In some cases, charges are referred to the District Attorney at a later date, pending the results of evidence testing, interviews, or follow up investigations.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information on illegal marijuana cultivation sites, or sites manufacturing concentrated cannabis to call the Sheriff’s Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.