$22 Million in black market pot destroyed
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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - On Thursday, August 25, 2022, deputies from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office and the Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET) served a search warrant at a property in the 7000 block of Wood Duck Dr, near Bonanza, Ore. The property was believed to be a producer of black market marijuana.
The on-scene investigation revealed several large greenhouses containing over 4,500 illegal marijuana plants nearly ready for harvest or in the process of being dried. Deputies estimate the value at over $22 Million based on current prices in eastern states where this product was destined.
Deputies seized stolen weapons, cash, and fentanyl at the location. No arrests were made as approximately 5-10 individuals fled into nearby hills as deputies arrived on the scene.
Deputies executing the search warrant oversaw the destruction of the illegal marijuana production operation.
The investigation also led to the discovery of the illegal use of groundwater to irrigate the marijuana. KCSO estimates that over 4.1 million gallons of water (approx 12.6-acre feet) had been illegally misappropriated for this grow site over the last several months.
In a letter published to the residents of Klamath County on Thursday, Sheriff Chris Kaber said, “Organized Crime; that is what we are up against. The laws of Oregon are specific when they define that term and it includes two or more individuals conspiring to engage in criminal activity as a significant source of income or to aid or abet the violation of criminal laws; to include cannabis production and distribution.”
[Read Sheriff Kaber’s full letter here.]
In July 2022, Klamath County was granted $2.67 million in funding to increase the enforcement of laws regarding the illegal production and exportation of marijuana. This funding was specifically requested to boost law enforcement efforts by providing staffing and equipment for the Sheriff’s Office, County Code Enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office.
The grant was awarded as part of the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program administered by the Criminal Justice Commission of Oregon.
The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Basin Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (BINET), Klamath County Solid Waste, Klamath County Code Enforcement, Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon State Waster Master.
The KCSO asks for citizens to please report illegal marijuana to: (541) 850-5380 or mjtipline@klamathcounty.org