SHADY COVE, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant yesterday morning, Tuesday, July 2, at a black-market cannabis grow in the 20400 block of Sawyer Road in Shady Cove. The property was once the site of a school but has since been modified to grow black-market cannabis. IMET detectives seized 1,108 illegal marijuana plants, $1600 in cash, 3.5 grams of cocaine, and four firearms. 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 a dwelling. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, and Medford Police Department (MPD) officers.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, MPD, OSP, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
