On June 29, 2021, around 2:00 p.m., members of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department's Narcotics and Gangs Division, with the assistance of deputies from the Lakeside Sheriff's Crime Suppression Team and members of the Special Enforcement Detail (SED), served a search warrant in the 600 block of Grand Avenue in Spring Valley.

The warrant was part of an investigation by Sheriff's Detectives of illegal marijuana dispensaries in San Diego County. Detectives seized the following during the search: 

• 48.5 pounds of processed marijuana
• 300 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) vape products
• 120 pounds of THC infused edibles
• 49 pounds of concentrated cannabis 
• 100 THC infused drinks
• One semi-automatic handgun
• One Taser
• One small canister of OC spray
• $9,107 in U.S. currency  

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.    

The warrant follows community concerns about illegal dispensaries near schools and residential areas.  We want to assure those we serve know the San Diego County Sheriff's Department is listening to the community and recognizes the negative impact illegal marijuana dispensaries have on our neighborhoods.

Felony charges will be filed with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office against six people, who were arrested at the scene.

Source of information: Sergeant K. Harris, San Diego Sheriff's Department