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IMET Case 24-14390
PHOENIX, Ore. – Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served a search warrant this morning at a black-market cannabis grow in the 4000 block of Fern Valley Road in rural Phoenix. IMET detectives seized approximately 6,054 illegal marijuana plants at the property in 20 greenhouses. During the initial investigation detectives learned the Phoenix property was connected to a black-market marijuana growing operation in Northern California.
There was no licensing for any type of cannabis growing, handling, or processing at this location. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, and Oregon State Police (OSP) detectives.
IMET arrested one suspect on the property and charges are being referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for another suspect. The suspect arrested was Yuhua (AKA Shirley) Hong, 44, of Montague, Calif. She is charged with three felony counts including unlawful possession, distribution, and manufacture of a marijuana item.
During the search warrant, Jackson County Code Enforcement responded to the scene and issued a total of $26,000 in fines to the responsible party. Fines were for violations related to unpermitted construction, solid waste, and operating a marijuana production area in violation of land use approvals. The Oregon Water Resources Department Enforcement section also responded to investigate the water usage. Further charges for water violations may be added at a later time.
While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.
Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.
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