Full Notification

DATE/TIME: Friday, January 12, 2018 / 7:00 a.m.

INCIDENT: Search Warrants – Illegal Cannabis Grows

LOCATION: Unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County – Lucerne Valley

SUMMARY:
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department - Marijuana Enforcement Team conducted investigations resulting in the service of four search warrants at locations in the unincorporated community of Lucerne Valley. The locations had illegal outdoor cannabis cultivations on the properties. The investigations revealed the cannabis cultivations were not in compliance with California’s Medical and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) and/or San Bernardino County’s ordinance prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity.

Thus, over 3,700 marijuana plants and over 200 pounds of processed cannabis were seized during the service of the search warrants. Investigators don’t believe the locations are linked together.

California’s newest form of cannabis regulations, MAUCRSA, went into full effect on January 1st. San Bernardino County has an ordinance prohibiting Commercial Cannabis Activity which includes growing cannabis plants outdoors. San Bernardino County Code Enforcement personnel will assist in the notifications to the property owners to make them aware of the violations occurring on their property.

The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division will continue to enforce California’s cannabis law as well as the San Bernardino County’s ordinance regarding cannabis cultivation and distribution. Persons found guilty of violating the state law and county ordinance are subject to fines, prosecution, and seizure of property. Property owners who are aware their tenants are growing marijuana on their rental properties in violation of the state law and local ordinances may also be subject to civil or criminal sanctions. Property owners are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement or code compliance agency where their property is located to confirm if cultivating cannabis/marijuana is prohibited or allowed under specific regulations.

15800 Block of Huff Road, Lucerne Valley
2,537 cannabis plants seized
231 pounds of harvested cannabis seized
Suspect(s): Identification pending
DR #651800016

0 Akeley Road, Lucerne Valley
94 cannabis plants seized
Suspect(s): Identification pending
DR #651800017

31100 Block of Villa Nova Road, Lucerne Valley
564 cannabis plants seized
12 pounds of harvested cannabis seized
Suspect(s): Identification pending
DR #651800018

37800 Block of Stellar Road, Lucerne Valley
533 cannabis plants seized
Suspect(s): Robert Flood, age 61, of Lucerne Valley / Patricio Ruiz, age 41, of Los Angeles County /
Rafael Sanabria, age 37, of Los Angeles County
DR #651800019

Anyone with information regarding the above investigations or other illegal marijuana cultivations is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at 909-387-8400. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs
Phone No. (909) 387-3700

John McMahon, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department