Cave Junction, OR – Authorities in southern Oregon destroyed thousands of marijuana plants and seized processed product during a large-scale raid this week in Josephine County.
According to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, deputies with the Josephine Marijuana Enforcement Team (JMET) executed a search warrant Tuesday in the 700 block of Althouse Creek Road in Cave Junction. The operation was supported by multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS, and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement team.
Investigators said the raid resulted in the seizure and destruction of more than 11,600 marijuana plants and 2,500 pounds of processed marijuana. A firearm was also located on the property. In addition, deputies reported finding multiple code violations involving electrical systems, water use, and waste disposal, which could lead to potential forfeiture of the property.
Authorities arrested Richard James Bassett Jr., 33, at the site. He was booked into the Josephine County Jail on charges of unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful manufacturing of marijuana, and unlawful appropriation of ground water.
Law enforcement has increasingly targeted large illegal grow sites in southern Oregon, where officials say unlicensed operations often strain local water supplies and create environmental hazards. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active and no further details are being released at this time.
This latest enforcement action follows a series of crackdowns in Josephine County as agencies continue efforts to curb large-scale, illegal cannabis operations in rural parts of the state.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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