49 People Arrested, 47 Tons of Marijuana Plants Seized in Perris Drug Bust: Sheriff’s Department

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Authorities said they arrested 47 people and disposed of 47 tons of marijuana plants on Thursday in an investigation into alleged illegal grow operations in Perris.

Deputies served search warrants at 56 illegal pot cultivation sites in Perris and unincorporated communities of Perris, according to a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The search warrants resulted in the seizure of 47,939 marijuana plants, approximately 1 ton of processed marijuana and 71 firearms, the release stated. Authorities disposed of approximately 47 tons of marijuana plants.

Two butane honey oil labs were also uncovered during the investigation, according to the Sheriff's Department.

The operation led to the arrest of 47 individuals.

An unknown number of dogs were also found during the bust, sheriff's officials tweeted on Wednesday afternoon. They are all OK.

The department released several photos showing the marijuana plants and firearms that were seized, as well as some of the canines.

No additional information about the drug bust was immediately released; authorities have not identified anyone who was arrested.

In a tweet earlier in the day, the Sheriff's Department announced there would be heavy police activity in Perris, but there was "no threat to public safety."

By noon, officials said they had made 10 arrests, and recovered 21 guns and 5.9 tons of pot after serving 32 search warrant at illegal grow sites.

Hours later, the number of arrests had increased to 27, and 14.9 tons of illegal marijuana had been confiscated, according to the department.


Responding to one of the tweets, Sheriff Chad Bianco reminded people that marijuana is illegal to grow in the county unless one strictly abides by personal use and grow laws.
