1147 live plants seized in Thousand Palm illegal marijuana raid
Members of the Riverside County Cannabis Regulation Task Force are in the process of conducting a sweep of Desert Cann Wellness Center in Thousand Palms.
1,147 live plants, 159 pounds of dried cannabis plants, 21 pounds of processed cannabis, and $9,110 cash was seized during the sweep.
“We don’t want to have these unfair business practices going on where there are operations being run by people not following the rules,” said John Hall, public information officer for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.” That are not licensed, paying the licensing fees, paying the regulatory fees.”
The task force, which is headed by the Riverside County District Attorney’s office, was founded in August. Desert Cann, which is located at 30565 Gunther St in Thousand Palms, ‘offers safe access to Medical Cannabis for registered medical marijuana members…[and]…prides itself on bringing a new option in healthcare, one that can relieve, comfort and improve your quality of life,” according to its company website. “
In September, the task force conducted a series of raids on county church properties in Jurupa Valley and Hemet, seizing almost $100,000 of cash and 100 pounds of marijuana.
“We will pursue investigations into unlicensed and illegal dispensaries,” said D.A.’s Bureau of Investigation Chief Joe DelGiudice following the September raid. “These places operate outside of state laws and use unfair business practices that hurt legal dispensaries. They often supply untested and potentially harmful product to consumers and promote criminal enterprise.”
All marijuana dispensaries are illegal in Riverside County unincorporated communities.
“We recognize the necessity of proactive efforts to address unlawful activities related to marijuana,” Sheriff Stan Sniff said following the September raid. “Participating in efforts that leverage our limited resources and act as force multipliers to address community concerns is important, and we are pleased to be a part of this task force.”
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