Code Enforcement assists Sheriff with record-breaking cannabis bust

A coordinated effort earlier this month by the San Bernardino County Code Enforcement team, the Sheriff’s Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) resulted in the largest cannabis seizure in the county’s history.

Authorities discovered over 45 tons of processed cannabis at a residential property in Oak Hills. The cannabis was successfully removed and destroyed in just two days.
The case originated in November, when Code Enforcement received a complaint about a large, unpermitted structure being built on the Oak Hills property. A second complaint followed about a strong cannabis odor.

Code Enforcement Officer Tyrone Cooper worked with Senior Officer Keith Bloomer from the Cannabis Enforcement Unit to schedule an inspection of the property and verify the complaints. While Code Enforcement continued investigating the unpermitted building issue, the cannabis-related allegations were referred to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) for further action.

On Dec. 9, the Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at the property, with support from Code Enforcement’s Cannabis Enforcement Unit to address county code violations. The warrant led to the discovery of a massive stockpile of cannabis stored inside the unpermitted structure. Given the size of the haul, the Sheriff’s Department requested additional assistance from San Bernardino County Code Enforcement for the removal effort.

Code Enforcement’s Rapid Response Team, under the direction of the Sheriff’s Department, mobilized four trailer rigs and a dedicated team of five additional Code Enforcement officers to assist with the removal of the cannabis. Personnel from the Sheriff’s Department, CDFW and Code Enforcement worked together to clear the property. By the end of the first day, approximately two-thirds of the cannabis had been removed. The Rapid Response Team returned the following day with five trailers to complete the operation.

“We are proud of the professional and efficient response from our Code Enforcement team,” said Code Enforcement Cannabis Team Supervisor David Jorgenson. “Their ability to mobilize quickly and provide the necessary equipment and skilled staff was critical to the success of this operation.”

“As Code Enforcement chief, I’m proud of our team’s vital role in this process,” said Ignacio Nunez. “Our focus is on identifying and addressing violations of county and building codes to ensure the safety of our communities, while the Sheriff’s Department leads investigations into criminal violations. This partnership allows us to tackle complex cases like this efficiently and effectively, each agency bringing its expertise to the table for the greater good of San Bernardino County.”

This operation highlights the importance of interagency collaboration, and the critical role Code Enforcement plays in maintaining community safety. The diligent efforts of Code Enforcement’s Cannabis Unit, Rapid Response Team and other staff were instrumental in resolving this case efficiently.

Additional County Update News – December 19, 2024