Operation Hammer Strike Eradicates Thousands of Illegal Cannabis Greenhouses in San Bernardino
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) recently concluded a year-long illegal cannabis eradication program known as Operation Hammer Strike.
Operation Hammer Strike began in September 2021, with raids in Hesperia, Pinon Hills, Phelan, and Landers.
Since August 26, 2022, MET investigators have served 127 search warrants and arrested 103 suspects, according to a press release. They have seized 158,906 marijuana plants, 29,897 pounds of processed marijuana, 30 firearms, 28,259 grams (62.3 pounds) of concentrated marijuana, 5,443 grams (11.9 pounds) of Psilocybin mushrooms, and approximately $1,643,688.00 in proceeds. Around 1,188 illegal greenhouses have also been eradicated.
The program was so successful that the Morongo Basin reported no more illegal cannabis grows in the area in May.
“It normally takes this county a long time to make changes for our residents but this was not the case. Thank you very much on behalf of our residents for making it a safer place to live again,” said San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe.
“The people of California let their voices be heard and chose to decriminalize cannabis,” said Assemblymember Thurston “Smitty” Smith. “I support their choice. However, what they didn’t ask for was rampant cultivation and an illegal market sucking up resources, destroying the environment, and putting our communities at risk.”
