As the cannabis harvest season peaks, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office has released an update on the number of illegal grows that have been seized in August and September. Public Information Officer Ashley Quadros says 18 suspected operations were investigated, with 12 of the properties in the Grass Valley area, five around Nevada City, and one in Smartsville. She says 27-hundred-80 plants were eradicated, with 43-year-old Christopher Winge arrested at a Grass Valley site. She says that number is lower than what is typically found earlier in the year, but that’s because more cannabis has now been processed. And that amounts to around 660 pounds. Also found were 15 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms. And Quadros says over half had water pollution, with trash in or near a waterway, water diversion, among major environmental damage. The grows often also pose safety problems…

 

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In addition, Quadros says illegal operations are often associated with unsanitary conditions. She says makeshift structures, including sheds, tents, and enclosures constructed from tarps, plywood, and plastic sheeting, often lack access to clean water, toilets, showers…

 

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Quadros also notes that Winge is a convicted and registered sex offender. And additional individuals are also still under investigation for possible arrest.