Task Force Seizes 1,300 Plants at Illegal Grow Near Applegate
Jackson County officials said the rural grow had no cannabis license, and investigators also seized psilocybin mushrooms and THC extract.
An investigator holds an uprooted plant during a July 9 search warrant at an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
JACKSONVILLE, Ore. — A multi-agency marijuana enforcement team seized approximately 1,300 plants Thursday during a search of an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team detectives served a search warrant July 9 at a property in the 100 block of Hogan Road. Deputies said the site was operating without any license for cannabis growing, handling or processing.
An aerial view shows the rural grow site near the Applegate area where investigators said approximately 1,300 marijuana plants were seized. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition to the marijuana plants, investigators seized about half a pound of psilocybin mushrooms and 3 1/2 pounds of THC extract, according to JCSO.
The sheriff’s office said IMET was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Oregon State Police. The Oregon Water Resources Department and Jackson County Code Enforcement also responded to the scene for separate investigations.
No arrests were announced in the initial release.
According to JCSO, IMET focuses on black-market marijuana operations in the Rogue Valley, while regulatory agencies handle investigations involving permitted cannabis businesses.
Video shows a skid steer clearing marijuana plants during the July 9 search warrant at an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville. Video courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the task force is funded through a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission and includes personnel from JCSO, Oregon State Police and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.
Cover image: A skid steer is used to clear marijuana plants during a July 9 search warrant at an illegal grow near the Applegate area outside Jacksonville. Photo courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
