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Over 10,000 cannabis plants destroyed in Nevada County drug bust

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office searched seven properties in both Nevada City and Grass Valley and found that all seven were operating illegal cannabis grows.

NEVADA CITY, Calif. — 10 people were arrested for growing cannabis illegally in Nevada County. 

The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office searched seven properties in both Nevada City and Grass Valley and found that all seven were operating illegal cannabis grows. Over 10,000 cannabis plants and over 2,000 lbs. of processed cannabis were destroyed. 

The first arrest was on Oct. 5, and the other nine arrests were made on Oct. 11. 

Here is a list of those arrested:

  • Victor Karp, 52
  • Sonja Mek Chhit, 53
  • Savay Vuoung, 60
  • Sina Hak, 54
  • Saman Lim, 63
  • Hoeun Tek, 66
  • Jennifer Hart, 38
  • Thy Chhit, 41
  • Rodrigo Mejia Jimenez, 41
  • Savonn Pek, 58.

According to law enforcement, illegal cannabis grows can cause health hazards and environmental crimes. 

“Illegal cannabis cultivation remains an ongoing problem that grows beyond the plants themselves,” said Detective Vincent Martinez, who headed the operations. “At some of these illegal grows, California Fish and Wildlife and the Nevada County Code Enforcement are identifying serious environmental crimes and general health hazards that often affect beyond the cultivated land, such as our natural waterways.”

Several agencies worked on the search warrants, including the sheriff's office's Special Investigations Unit, California Fish and Wildlife, Department of Cannabis Compliance, Nevada County Code Enforcement, Army National Guard, and the Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis. 

All cases are still under investigation and may bring additional charges. New findings will be sent to the District Attorney's Office for formal charges to be filed.

Credit: The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office

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