From Valleynewslive · · 1m 20s
Oregon raid destroys 110,000 illegal pot plants
A three-day sweep across two Oregon counties uncovered $20 million in illegal cannabis, 86 guns, and 55 workers living without water or power.
In brief
A three-day sweep across two Oregon counties uncovered $20 million in illegal cannabis, 86 guns, and 55 workers living without water or power. Illegal grows are not just a drug story. The same sites turned up stockpiled weapons, suspected forced labor, and environmental damage. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
A $20 million haul
Officers in Oregon seized more than 110,000 illegal marijuana plants and 81,000 pounds of bulk cannabis across Clackamas and Marion counties in a three-day operation.
Neighbors set it off
Community complaints prompted the investigation into a suspected trafficking ring running multiple unauthorized grows.
Two agencies, same suspects
The Clackamas County Sheriff's task force and Oregon State Police joined forces after realizing they were chasing the same people.
Six warrants, 86 guns
Officers served warrants at six properties, destroying 110,437 plants and 81,460 pounds of processed pot, and seizing 86 firearms plus $11,500 in cash.
One arrest so far
Jaimee Virrueta-Gomez, 35, of Gerber, California, was arrested on suspicion of unlawful manufacture and possession. More charges await review by two district attorneys.
55 workers, no running water
Officers found 55 laborers living without plumbing, electricity, or shelter. Investigators are checking for force or coercion while agencies probe water diversion and fertilizer runoff.
“living and working without basic amenities”
The main idea
Illegal grows are not just a drug story. The same sites turned up stockpiled weapons, suspected forced labor, and environmental damage.
