Background
During the summer of 2025, the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office developed intelligence as part of an ongoing investigation into the illegal cultivation of marijuana in Modoc County. That investigation led to the identification of additional sites operating in Lassen County. Twelve properties in Lassen County were identified, and each were found to be involved in illicit cannabis cultivation operated by illegal immigrants.
Working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), investigators prepared and filed for search warrants in Lassen County to target these sites.
Search Warrant Operations
On September 23rd and 24th, 2025, law enforcement agencies executed a coordinated series of search warrants in Lassen County.
Participating agencies included:
- Modoc County Sheriff’s Office
- Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
- Susanville Police Department
- Lassen County Code Enforcement
- Lassen County Public Works
- Lassen County Environmental Health
- Bureau of Land Management
- California Department of Justice’s Eradication and Prevention of Illicit Cannabis team
Scope of operations:
- 11 warrants executed in the Ravendale and Madeline areas
- 1 warrant executed within the City of Susanville
- 3 additional properties identified during operations in Ravendale, where further warrants were obtained
Results of Enforcement Actions
The joint efforts of all participating agencies produced significant results:
- 34,166 cannabis plants eradicated
- 12,310 pounds of processed marijuana seized (estimated street value: over $10 million)
- 14 arrests made
- 11 additional individuals contacted and identified
- 7 firearms seized
- 2 vehicles seized
Ongoing Priorities
This investigation highlights the continued priority of addressing illegal cannabis operations in both Modoc and Lassen Counties. These efforts are essential for:
- Protecting public safety
- Upholding state and local laws
- Preventing environmental damage associated with unregulated cultivation
The Lassen County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all partner agencies for their collaboration and dedication, which were key to the successful execution of this operation.
