Illegal Marijuana Operation in Phoenix, Oregon, Busted by Multi-Agency Task Force

13 September 2024

A black-market cannabis grow operation in Phoenix, Oregon, linked to an illegal enterprise in Northern California, was shut down on Wednesday by the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET). Authorities seized over 6,000 unlicensed marijuana plants from 20 greenhouses on the property. The operation, entirely unlicensed, prompted involvement from multiple state agencies, resulting in one arrest and charges against a second individual pending referral to the district attorney’s office.

In addition to the seizure, regulators issued $26,000 in fines for unpermitted construction, waste management violations, and unauthorized marijuana production. The Oregon Water Resources Department is also investigating potential water use violations tied to the site.

This operation reflects ongoing efforts to combat illegal cannabis production in Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, where black-market activity undermines legal marijuana businesses and strains local resources. While such enforcement actions aim to stabilize the market for licensed operators, the persistence of illegal grows highlights challenges in addressing high demand and regulatory complexities in the cannabis industry.