The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) and other deputies seized nearly 64,000 illegal cannabis plants in weeks four, five and six of “Operation Hammer Strike.”
The operation is designed to discover unlawful cannabis cultivations in San Bernardino County, Calif.
RELATED: 1,335 Pounds of Processed Illegal Cannabis Discovered in California
In week four of the operation from Sept. 20-24, investigators and MET agents served 24 search warrants for various locations across six cities in San Bernardino County: Lucerne Valley, Wonder Valley, Apple Valley, Pinon Hills, Phelan and Newberry Springs, according to a press release from SBSD headquarters.
Investigators arrested 33 suspects and discovered over 16,000 pounds of illegal cannabis plants, nearly 6,000 pounds of processed cannabis, and liquidated 101 greenhouses and one electrical bypass. Deputies also found seven guns and $41,000 cash.
In week five of the operation from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, MET served 26 search warrants for different locations within the same cities as week four in addition to Twentynine Palms.
Officials arrested 38 suspects and eradicated five residences with indoor cultivation, 189 greenhouses and five electrical bypasses. Law enforcement personnel also “seized 24,818 marijuana plants, 9,627.8 pounds of processed marijuana, 10 guns, and $302,000 in cash,” SBSD headquarters stated in a press release.
RELATED: 30,000 Illegal Cannabis Plants Seized in California
Twenty-three search warrants were issued across 13 locations in week six of the operation, which took place Oct. 4-10. Deputies arrested 32 individuals and mitigated 123 greenhouses, SBSD headquarters stated in a press release.
Investigators also “seized 23,553 marijuana plants, 2,267 pounds of processed marijuana, 14 guns, and $43,400 in cash,” the release states.
SBSD officials are still encouraging individuals to contact the Sheriff's Gangs/Narcotics Division with any information or tips they may have regarding the investigation.
