On July 18, 2019, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and allied agencies served search warrants at 56 illegal marijuana cultivation sites throughout the City of Perris and the unincorporated communities of Perris. This operation was spearheaded by investigators from the Perris Sheriff’s Station and assisted by about 390 Law Enforcement personnel countywide. The mission of this operation was to combat the ongoing problem of illegal marijuana cultivation sites throughout Riverside County.

Sheriff Chad Bianco said, “We ran a very large marijuana eradication operation out of the Perris Sheriff’s Station. These operations are about safety and quality of life issues for our residents that I promised to address.“

Bianco explained that the illegal marijuana grows poison the water supplies, and kill domestic pets and wildlife. In addition these large scale grows bring with them kidnappings, human trafficking, armed robberies, thefts, and murder.  

“I promised residents being tormented by these growers relief, and the sheriffs department will give it to them. Grow illegally in Riverside County and expect a visit from us.   To be continued,” said Bianco. 

This weeks raid resulted in

• 47,939 marijuana plants confiscated
• 2,132 pounds of processed marijuana
• 47 tons of marijuana plants disposed
• 2 Butane Honey Oil Labs located
• 71 firearms
• 49 arrests

The emphasis of this operation was placed on the illegal cultivation sites. Individuals growing marijuana under Proposition 64 guidelines did not have their marijuana confiscated. Additionally, licensed businesses with permits to grow marijuana legally for commercial purposes were not affected.

Many of these illegal marijuana cultivations use chemicals that are banned in the United States and do not properly dispose of chemicals or waste products which destroy the environment, contaminate our drinking water, and have the potential to harm or even kill residents and domestic animals. Not only is this activity harmful, growers often steal electricity and water from surrounding residents.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department worked with the following agencies to combat the illegal growers, Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside Police, Riverside County Gang Task Force, Department of Justice, Cal Fire, Riverside County Animal Services, CA Water Board, Environmental Health, Riverside County Code Enforcement, Riverside County Probation, City of Perris Code Enforcement, and the Riverside Sheriff’s Association for their assistance and partnership on a successful operation to combat illegal marijuana grows in the County of Riverside. We would also like to thank the California Army National Guard for use of their equipment and vehicles in the transportation and destruction of marijuana.

Photo Credit: All photos are from the RSCSD