20 separate marijuana grow sites near Nubieber, including several large greenhouses, were the target of a complex eradication operation Tuesday as more than 40 personnel from half-a-dozen local agencies executed private property search warrants at two separate locations.
“The search warrants were obtained after extensive investigation revealed both locations were illegally cultivating large amounts of marijuana,” explained Lt. David Woginrich from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office in details released Thursday.
“Due to these illegal marijuana gardens being located on private property and on several parcels, staff from the Lassen County Assessor’s Office and Treasurer/Tax Collector’s Office were invited to visit each of these sites.”
Along with the 20 grow sites, officers located numerous devices used to plant, cultivate and harvest marijuana at both locations.
In all, officers eradicated over 2,500 marijuana plants and recovered a stolen firearm from the locations in northern Lassen County.
“Lassen County Sheriff’s Office detectives meticulously examined each marijuana plot site, measuring the dimensions, counting the number of plants and collecting evidentiary samples.”
Woginrich noted that for this type of eradication operation to be successful countless hours of planning and logistical preparation between several agencies are required.
According to the Lassen County Tax Collector’s Office, with the passage of Measure ‘M’ in November of 2018, the Tax Collector was given the authority to collect a business cannabis tax. This tax is imposed on all grows whether or not they are operating lawfully under County and State laws. This tax is imposed by the square footage area of the grow, and what type of lighting is used for the plants.
The total taxable value of the two locations targeted by the operation is $79,121.50.
“These bills will be sent to the property owner, as well as the grower, if the two individuals are different,” said Woginrich. “If left unpaid, a lien will be placed against the person, or persons as well as the property. The Tax Collector’s Office will pursue aggressive collections on this debt.”
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office thanked personnel from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Cal Fire, CDCR, Lassen County Code Enforcement and CHP Air Operations for their assistance in the operation.
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