Grass Valley, CA – Nevada County law enforcement is intensifying its crackdown on illegal Cannabis Ops this summer. Between July and August, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) executed search warrants at 16 suspected illegal cannabis operations across the county. Nine of those properties were in Grass Valley, with the remainder spread across Nevada City, Rough and Ready, Penn Valley, and North San Juan. Each location was found to be running illegal Cannabis Ops.
In total, NCSO and CDFW eradicated 17,345 plants and nearly 918 pounds of processed cannabis. Two firearms were seized at one property, and at another, investigators uncovered illegal and highly toxic pesticides believed to contain Imidacloprid, Isoprocarb, Pyridaben, and Cypermethrin posing serious risks to the environment and public health. These raids highlight just how complex and dangerous illegal Cannabis Ops can be for local communities.
The enforcement efforts led to two citations and two arrests, with charges ranging from possession of cannabis for sale to illegal cultivation and environmental violations. Some of the charges involved California Water Code and Fish and Game Code infractions, illustrating how many illegal Cannabis Ops impact waterways, wildlife habitats, and agricultural safety.
The July and August operations were supported by multiple partners, including the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis (EPIC) Task Force, the National Guard, Nevada County Cannabis Compliance, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office. This multi-agency approach underscores how tackling illegal Cannabis Ops requires broad collaboration.
As summer turns to fall, additional search warrants are expected. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal grow activity. Community tips are essential in helping law enforcement shut down unlicensed Cannabis Ops that harm the environment, undermine legal cannabis businesses, and threaten public safety.
Nevada County’s legal cannabis industry operates under strict compliance rules, but illegal Cannabis Ops continue to jeopardize that progress. By removing these unregulated grows, officials hope to protect natural resources, support legitimate businesses, and ensure consumer safety. Anyone with information about illegal activity can contact NCSO, CDFW, or Nevada County Cannabis Compliance, or submit anonymous tips online.
This summer’s actions send a clear message: illegal Cannabis Ops will not be tolerated in Nevada County.