CDFW Busts Lake County Marijuana Operation

The following press release is courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: 

Wildlife officers at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) shut down two illegal marijuana grows on private property in Lake County.

A record check on both properties showed no state license to grow cannabis, no county cultivation permit, no CDFW Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement had been filed nor were there any steps taken to secure any of these licenses or permits on the two commercial-size operations.

“Illegal marijuana grows of this nature are known for stealing water and causing great environmental harm to California’s fish and wildlife,” said David Bess, Deputy Director and Chief of the CDFW Law Enforcement Division. “CDFW supports cultivators who comply with applicable state and local laws and take action to prevent environmental impacts.”

On May 21, CDFW officers served a search warrant in Lower Lake with approximately 6,000 outdoor marijuana plants. Four suspects were arrested. On May 29, wildlife officers served another search warrant in Upper Lake with approximately 400 outdoor marijuana plants. One suspect was arrested and a stolen firearm was recovered.

Combined Fish and Game Code violations include illegal water diversions, pesticide and petroleum products placed near streams and garbage placed near waterways. Charges for all suspects will be filed with the county District Attorney’s office for consideration.

CDFW would like to remind the public to report environmental crimes such as water pollution, water diversions and poaching to the CalTIP hotline by calling (888) 334-2258 or by texting “CALTIP” followed by a space and the desired message, to 847411 (tip411).