{"id":2035410,"date":"2023-09-17T18:26:01","date_gmt":"2023-09-17T22:26:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sheriff-issues-dire-warning-on-cartels-in-california\/"},"modified":"2023-09-17T18:31:47","modified_gmt":"2023-09-17T22:31:47","slug":"sheriff-issues-dire-warning-on-cartels-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sheriff-issues-dire-warning-on-cartels-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Sheriff warns of grave cartel threat in California."},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fsheriff-issues-dire-warning-on-cartels-in-california%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2035410&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><h2>The Illegal Marijuana Trade Threatens Public Safety in Northern California<\/h2>\n<p>The illegal cultivation of marijuana in Northern California continues to be a major concern \u2063for law enforcement agencies, despite the drug&#8217;s\u200c legalization in the state less\u200d than a decade ago. Cartel-run cannabis\u2063 farms pose a\u2064 significant\u2064 threat to public safety, \u2062according to Mendocino County Sheriff \u2063Matt Kendall.<\/p>\n<p>In Mendocino County, which spans over\u2063 3,500 square miles and is home to\u2062 90,000 residents, there \u2062have been as many as 4,000 to 5,000 \u200billegal cannabis sites recorded this year alone. \u200dLimited resources and officers make it difficult to combat the thriving marijuana black market, putting surrounding communities\u200c at risk.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h3>Related Stories<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/amsterdam-style-cannabis-cafes-possible-for-california-5486827\">Amsterdam-Style Cannabis Cafes Possible in California<\/a> -\u200d 9\/5\/2023<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/health\/many-americans-wrongly-think-marijuana-smoke-is-safer-than-tobacco-study-5464805\">Many Americans Think Marijuana Smoke Is \u2063Safer Than Tobacco: Study<\/a> &#8211; 8\/15\/2023<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Sheriff Kendall highlighted the alarming \u200bpresence of gunshots during the fall nights, \u200bserving as warnings\u200c from armed individuals protecting\u200b their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/republican-reps-visiting-the-border-slam-biden-policies-and-continuing-crisis\/\" title=\"Republican Reps. Visiting The Border Slam Biden Policies And Continuing Crisis\">illegal marijuana grows<\/a>. The once\u2063 family-oriented and safe rural areas of California have been\u2063 infiltrated by people with short-term profit motives, disregarding the environment and their neighbors.<\/p>\n<p>Since the \u2062legalization \u2064of marijuana for medical use in 1996 and for personal use in 2016, the issue has worsened. Sheriff Kendall emphasized the lack of\u2064 resources, with only six deputies per shift to cover the entire county, \u2062making it impossible to address all resident concerns regarding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/cartel-style-violence-spreading-in-california\/\" title=\"Cartel-Style Violence Spreading in California\">illegal grow sites<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Priority is given to grow sites involved in\u2062 human trafficking, environmental degradation, organized crime, drug trafficking organizations, or trespassing on private \u200cproperty. Lesser issues, such as complaints about the\u200d smell of marijuana, are handled by the county&#8217;s code enforcement team through civil fines.<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-figure\">\n<figure style=\"width:600px\" class=\"aligncenter\"><figcaption>A crate \u200bof marijuana buds \u200cfrom an illegal \u200dgrow operation in a residential\u2063 suburb seen in a file photo. (Charlotte Cuthbertson\/The Epoch Times)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>During a bust in 2020, Sheriff Kendall&#8217;s deputies discovered \u200da grow site \u2063operating on Native American tribal land and detained a\u2062 16-year-old girl believed to be a victim of trafficking. This realization led him to understand that many \u200bworkers on these sites may also be victims.<\/p>\n<p>The issue is further exacerbated by\u200d the United States&#8217; Mexico cartel-run borders, as illegal immigrants who interact with the cartel may be coerced \u200binto sex and drug trafficking \u200cor forced\u2063 labor \u200cdue to personal information obtained during their entry\u2063 into the country.<\/p>\n<p>Cartels have expanded their presence in Northern California\u200d by offering cash or drugs in exchange for the use \u200dof properties. This has resulted in addiction,\u2062 slave labor, and a rise in narcotics overdoses in Mendocino County.<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-figure\">\n<figure style=\"width:600px\" class=\"aligncenter\"><figcaption>There \u2062are \u200broughly 5,000 greenhouses illegally cultivating marijuana in Siskiyou County, Calif., according to\u200b the county&#8217;s Sheriff&#8217;s Department in March 2023. (Courtesy\u200c of the Siskiyou County\u200b Sheriff&#8217;s Department)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sheriff Kendall called for unity among state leaders to address the larger issues affecting Californians, regardless of \u200cpolitical leanings. \u200bHe emphasized the need to work together to combat the fentanyl crisis, homelessness, and the consequences of laws that have reduced punishments for crimes.<\/p>\n<p>While acknowledging the change in mindset of San \u2062Francisco Mayor London Breed, \u2063who now advocates for more law enforcement despite previously supporting defunding the police, Sheriff Kendall urged critics to \u2062embrace such shifts \u200cand focus on finding\u200c solutions.<\/p>\n<p>He stressed the importance of working across party\u2064 lines and addressing \u200cthe failed policies that have \u200bcontributed to the decay \u2062of California&#8217;s society. Only through collaboration and a \u200breasonable approach can the state be\u2062 made safe\u200b again.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> What are some\u2062 of the environmental consequences of illegal marijuana cultivation in Northern California?<\/h2>\n<p><span>  Figure><\/p>\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/7A4A6870-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"Illegal Marijuana\u200b Grow\"><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>The environmental impact of\u2063 illegal marijuana cultivation is also a major concern. Cartel-run \u2063cannabis\u200c farms often\u2063 divert water from\u200c local streams \u200band rivers, depleting vital resources\u2062 and endangering \u2062fish populations. Additionally, the grow\u200b sites frequently use harmful\u200c pesticides and fertilizers that contaminate the soil and surrounding ecosystems.<\/p>\n<p>These illegal operations \u2063are not only detrimental to the environment, but they also pose a direct danger to communities. The presence\u200c of armed individuals protecting their illicit business has resulted in violent crimes and conflicts with local \u200dresidents. \u2062Innocent people can find themselves caught in\u200c the crossfire or become victims of robberies and assaults, as these criminal activities are often related to the \u2062<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/alex-halperin-illegal-weed-is-killing-licensed-california-bud-shops-ny-may-be-headed-for-similar-fate\/\" title=\"Alex Halperin: Illegal Weed Is Killing Licensed California Bud Shops\u2014NY May Be Headed For Similar Fate\">illegal marijuana trade<\/a> in the \u200cregion.<\/p>\n<p>Law enforcement agencies, such as the Mendocino County Sheriff&#8217;s Office, are working\u2063 tirelessly to\u2063 combat the illegal marijuana trade.\u200b They have collaborated with other local, state, and federal agencies to coordinate efforts, share intelligence, and conduct\u200b joint operations to dismantle and \u2062eradicate illegal grow sites. However, resources\u200b remain \u200dlimited, and\u200c the problem persists.<\/p>\n<p>To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to focus on both\u200d prevention and enforcement. Increasing public \u2063awareness about the dangers and \u200bconsequences of supporting the illegal marijuana trade can help discourage demand. \u2062This can be achieved through education campaigns, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/group-that-allegedly-committed-10-armed-robberies-in-30-minutes-caught-on-camera-its-very-shocking\/\" title=\"10 armed robberies in 30 minutes caught on camera by alleged group, shocking.\">community outreach programs<\/a>, and targeted communication strategies.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, allocating additional resources to law enforcement\u2062 agencies to enhance \u2062their capacity\u2063 to \u2062investigate and dismantle illegal grow sites is vital. This includes providing funding for aerial surveillance, specialized training, and\u2062 the recruitment of more officers to assist in the fight against the illicit marijuana trade.<\/p>\n<p>It is also important to establish \u2064a regulatory framework that allows legal marijuana cultivators \u2064to thrive while ensuring\u2062 strict \u2064enforcement against illegal operations. This balance can be achieved by implementing comprehensive licensing procedures, rigorous inspections, and strict \u200cpenalties for individuals and \u2064businesses found operating outside the law.<\/p>\n<p>In conclusion, \u200dthe illegal cultivation of marijuana \u2062in Northern California poses a significant threat to public safety. The presence of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sheriff-issues-dire-warning-on-cartels-in-california\/\" title=\"Sheriff warns of grave cartel threat in California.\">cartel-run\u2062 cannabis farms<\/a> not only jeopardizes the well-being\u2063 of communities but also causes harm to\u2062 the environment. To effectively tackle this issue, law enforcement agencies must be provided \u200bwith the necessary resources and \u2062support, while public awareness and regulatory measures work \u2064together to discourage and \u200cpunish illegal activities. Only through collective efforts can we ensure \u2064the safety\u200b and well-being of Northern \u2063Californians and \u200cpreserve the principles of a legal and responsible \u2062marijuana industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite marijuana&#8217;s legalization in Northern California less than a decade ago, the illegal cultivation of the drug remains a concern for law enforcement. Cartel-operated cannabis farms pose a significant threat to public safety, particularly in Mendocino County, spanning over 3,500 square miles and housing 90,000 residents.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1349,"featured_media":2035411,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2035410","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-epoch-times"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2035410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1349"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2035410"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2035410\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2035411"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2035410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2035410"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2035410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}