SELMA, Ore. — Investigators from multiple agencies raided three more illegal marijuana grow operations in Josephine County on Tuesday, seizing more than 27,600 plants.
The Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) joined with elements of Oregon State Police, the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team, the Jackson County-based Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), Homeland Security Investigations and Josephine County Code Enforcement to serve the three warrants related to suspected illegal grows in the 1300-block of Lakeshore Drive, the 6000-block of Takilma Road, and the 300-block of Merlot Drive.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, investigators seized and destroyed 27,696 marijuana plants. Investigators also seized 27 guns, and a number of water pumps and generators that were taken as evidence. They also seized $255,611 in cash, which is subject to forefeiture but “can only be used for training and equipment, not personnel,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Two suspects, 30-year-old Zacharea Jafarzadeh and 32-year-old Woodrow Benear, were arrested and lodged in the Josephine County Jail on charges for possession, manufacture, and unlawful delivery of marijuana. Eleven other people were detained due to “safety concerns.”
The investigation is still ongoing, with not other details immediately available.
In mid-June, law enforcement hit six suspected illegal marijuana grows around Selma and Cave Junction, seizing and destroying more than 200,000 plants.
