More than a ton of unlicensed marijuana and thousands more cannabis plants were seized from a “large-scale illegal indoor cannabis cultivation site” that was located within 100 feet of an Anaheim school, authorities said.
The Department of Cannabis Control said in a press release on Thursday that they cooperated with the Anaheim Police Department and city code enforcement for the seizure.
The location of the seizure was not disclosed, nor was the identity of the school located nearby.
“The operation resulted in the seizure of 2,626 pounds of unlicensed cannabis and 4,551 cannabis plants, with an estimated retail value exceeding $4.3 million,” the release said. “Two individuals were arrested and eight misdemeanor citations were issued.”
This bust follows a similar raid in April. In that raid, also in Anaheim, $2.7 million worth of illegal product was recovered, DCC said.
Not only was the cannabis unlicensed, DCC said, but it also could be the product of illegal labor and dangerous for consumption.
“Investigators also found significant quantities of over-the-counter pesticides and fertilizers, raising concerns about potential misuse,” officials said. “Evidence indicating possible human trafficking was identified and is currently under investigation.”
As a result, Anaheim Code Enforcement deemed the structure unsafe to occupy and turned off the building’s electricity.
“Illegal cannabis operations put communities at risk, especially when operating near schools,” said DCC Deputy Chief Charles Smith. “We are committed to protecting Californian by taking aggressive action against this type of activity – activity that undermines the legal market and public safety.”
Anaheim isn’t the only city that’s seen busts of illicit pot in recent days.
More than 10,000 illegal plants and large amounts of other marijuana products were seized from an Apple Valley company on Tuesday.
