Sheriff's Deputies have arrested 15 people and closed down an illegal marijuana dispensary in Spring Valley. 

On Friday, May 7 around 2:00 p.m., members of the Sheriff's Narcotics and Gang Division (NGD) served a search warrant in the 9000 block of Olive Drive.  The warrant was part of an investigation by NGD detectives and the Rancho San Diego Sheriff's Station.

Detectives seized the following during the search:

• 150 pounds of processed marijuana
• 500 pounds of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vape products
• 500 pounds of THC-infused edibles
• 100 pounds of THC concentrates 
• $70,000 in cash
• 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.

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 (SDG&E) 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.  We want to assure those we serve the San Diego County Sheriff's Department is listening to the community and recognizes the negative impact illegal marijuana dispensaries have on our neighborhoods. 

These 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. 

The photos in this news release can be downloaded for broadcast by following the San Diego County Sheriff's Department on Twitter: @SDSheriff. 

Media Contact: Sergeant Mark Knierim
Mark.Knierim@sdsheriff.org
Sheriff's Narcotics and Gang Division