News Summary

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office has uncovered one of the largest illegal marijuana grow operations in Phoenix, valued at nearly $2 million. Evidence suggests a nationwide distribution network and the operation’s sophistication raised concerns about community safety. Arrests are ongoing as authorities investigate further into this illegal activity that may contribute to violent crimes associated with marijuana sales.

Phoenix, Arizona

Detectives from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have uncovered a massive illegal marijuana grow operation in Phoenix, which is being described as one of the largest in over a decade. Located near 40th Street and McDowell Road, the operation has resulted in the seizure of hundreds of marijuana plants and a substantial amount of processed cannabis. The total estimated value of the seized operation is well over $1 million, with projections approaching $2 million.

Authorities have gathered evidence suggesting that this illegal grow operation is part of a nationwide distribution network. The investigation into the operation was initiated by a tip-off from a shipper who reported suspicious activity linked to the site. Over the course of three months, law enforcement agencies that included MCSO, the Tempe Police Department, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Arizona Department of Corrections collaborated to probe the operation.

During the culmination of the investigation, SWAT teams from both Phoenix and Tempe were deployed to ensure safety due to the scale and potential danger of the operation. In addition to the primary site in Phoenix, detectives executed a search at a secondary location in Mesa believed to be linked to the grow operation. However, no suspects were located at that site.

It is suspected that the illegal operation has been active for several years prior to its discovery. Currently, investigations are ongoing, and it remains unclear if any formal arrests have been made in connection with the operation. Nonetheless, three individuals have been detained as part of the inquiry. MCSO is coordinating with the Arizona Attorney General’s office regarding potential charges against those detained.

Officials emphasized that the operation is unrelated to a nearby legitimate marijuana dispensary. The sophistication of the grow operation has highlighted significant concerns; investigators noted that it involved a complex organization for growing, packaging, and shipping marijuana across the country. Sheriff Jerry Sheridan pointed out that the evidence collected, which includes invoices, underscores the illegal nature of the grow operation.

Furthermore, investigators have indicated that this operation might have been a contributing factor to violent crimes associated with disputes over marijuana sales. The coordinated effort among law enforcement agencies signifies a stronger push against illegal cannabis operations, reflecting growing concerns about the implications such activities have on community safety.

This discovery marks a significant development in the ongoing challenge law enforcement faces in combating illegal drug operations. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to tracking down illegal activities and collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to tackle this pressing issue effectively.

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Additional Resources

• AZ Central: Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Bust
• Wikipedia: Maricopa County
• Fox 10 Phoenix: Marijuana Grow Bust
• Google Search: Marijuana grow operation Phoenix
• ABC 15: MCSO Seizes Marijuana Plants
• Google Scholar: Illegal marijuana grow operation
• 12 News: Largest Illegal Marijuana Grow Bust
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marijuana