IMET Task Force Busts Shady Cove Black Market Pot Grow at Former School
The Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) raided an illegal black market cannabis grow at an old schoolhouse near Shady Cove this week.
IMET detectives served a search warrant at the grow site in the 20,400-block of Sawyer Road on Tuesday. The property was once the site of a school, but it was modified to grow marijuana.
During execution of the warrant, IMET seized 1,108 illegal marijuana plants, 3.5 grams of cocaine, four firearms and $1,600 in cash. There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling or processing at this location.
Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued citations totaling $13,000 for violations related to unpermitted construction, failure to obtain approval for marijuana production and camping vehicles used as dwellings.
IMET was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police and Medford Police Department. No arrests were made, but the investigation is ongoing with detectives working additional leads.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. It is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.
Posted on 7/4/24 6:10AM by Sam Marsh
