Spring Valley, CA–Sheriff’s deputies Friday afternoon shut down an illegal marijuana dispensary and arrested 15 people in Spring Valley.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics and Gang Division served a search warrant at 2 p.m. in the 9000 block of Olive Drive. The warrant was part of an investigation by detectives and the Rancho San Diego Sheriff’s Station.
Detectives seized 150 pounds of processed marijuana, 500 pounds of THC vape products, 500 pounds of THC-infused edibles, 100 pounds of THC concentrates, $70,000 in cash, and three handguns.
Investigators discovered several THC-infused edibles which falsely appeared to be legitimate name brand chips and candies. It is not uncommon for unlicensed and unregulated cannabis dispensaries to market their dangerous product to children. Additionally, THC-infused food products closely resembling well-known name brands may be inadvertently consumed, creating potential health and safety risks, authorities
Sheriff’s Detectives were accompanied by San Diego County’s Code Compliance Team, which noted several violations in the building creating a danger to its occupants. County Code Compliance requested San Diego Gas and Electric to cut off power to the entire property until the dangers could be mitigated.
The warrant follows community concerns about illegal marijuana dispensaries operating near schools and residential areas.
Deputies report that unregulated facilities attract criminals involved in other illicit drugs and are often the catalyst for violent crime, property crime, and financial crime that affect residents and other local businesses.