A massive, two-day law enforcement operation led by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office resulted in the eradication of 34,166 illegal cannabis plants and the seizure of over 12,000 pounds of processed marijuana with an estimated street value exceeding $10 million. The coordinated effort, which spanned the Ravendale, Madeline, and Susanville areas, also led to 14 arrests.
The operation, which took place on September 23rd and 24th, targeted illegal cultivation sites initially identified through intelligence developed by the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office. That initial investigation led authorities to identify twelve properties in Lassen County allegedly involved in illicit cannabis cultivation operated by illegal immigrants.
Working alongside the Bureau of Land Management, investigators secured and executed a series of search warrants. In total, 11 warrants were executed in the Ravendale and Madeline areas, with one additional warrant executed within the City of Susanville.
Three new properties were identified during the Ravendale operations, leading to further warrants being obtained.
Significant Seizures and Arrests
The joint enforcement actions produced significant results beyond the plant eradication:
- 12,310 pounds of processed marijuana were seized.
- 14 arrests were made, and 11 additional individuals were contacted and identified.
- 7 firearms were seized.
- 2 vehicles were seized.
The wide-ranging operation involved a large task force, including personnel from the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Susanville Police Department, Lassen County Code Enforcement, Public Works, and Environmental Health, the Bureau of Land Management, and the California Department of Justice’s Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis team.
Lassen County Sheriff John McGarva emphasized the importance of the operation for the community and the environment.
“This investigation highlights the continued priority of addressing illegal cannabis operations in both Modoc and Lassen Counties,” said McGarva. “These efforts are essential for protecting public safety, upholding state and local laws, and preventing the environmental damage associated with unregulated cultivation. We thank all partner agencies for their collaboration and dedication, which were key to the successful execution of this operation.”
The Sheriff’s Office affirmed that addressing illegal cannabis operations remains a top priority for protecting public safety and maintaining the integrity of state and local laws.
