Authorities in southern Oregon are cracking down on illegal marijuana cultivation. Last week, law enforcement officials raided an unlicensed marijuana grow in rural Eagle Point, seizing nearly 1,000 plants and issuing thousands of dollars in fines for multiple violations.
The operation, led by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), took place on the morning of Thursday, July 10, at a property located in the 15200 block of Highway 62. According to a press release, investigators executed a search warrant and discovered approximately 988 marijuana plants, 22 pounds of processed cannabis, and $3,000 in cash. One suspect was detained on-site, and felony charges for illegal marijuana manufacture and possession have been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Officials emphasized that the property had no licenses permitting any form of cannabis cultivation, handling, or processing. The raid involved collaboration between IMET, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Jackson County Code Enforcement.
In addition to the cannabis seizure, Code Enforcement issued $15,000 in fines to the landowner for numerous violations. These included cultivating marijuana without proper land-use approval, using RVs as illegal dwellings, poor waste management, and the presence of multiple unpermitted electrical, plumbing, and structural installations.
Also on-site were representatives from the Oregon Water Resources Department, who assessed water usage on the property. They issued a notice of violation for illegally drawing groundwater to irrigate the cannabis grow.
Authorities say the raid is part of an ongoing regional effort to eliminate unlicensed and environmentally damaging marijuana operations in southern Oregon. IMET, which is funded by the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, includes personnel from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Unregulated grows like the one in Eagle Point have become a major issue in Oregon’s legal cannabis landscape. Aside from bypassing the legal market, these operations often cause environmental harm through unpermitted construction, improper waste disposal, and illegal water use. They also pose risks to public safety and undercut legitimate cannabis businesses operating within state law.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue their efforts to identify those involved and determine the full scope of the operation.
