Press Releases

At the beginning of February, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Stations Problem Oriented Policing Team received complaints regarding possible illegal marijuana cultivations occurring within the city of Lake Elsinore, Riverside County.  On February 19, 2020, at the direction of Sheriff Chad Bianco, deputies served two search warrants within the Central Business Park located at the intersection of Central Avenue and Collier Street.

As a result of the search warrant, marijuana plants in various stages of growth and finished product were located and collected.  In addition, the electrical system within the commercial building had been illegally altered causing a severe fire hazard.  The interiors of buildings were transformed using common building materials into illegal commercial marijuana cultivation sites.  Lake Elsinore Code Enforcement / Building and Safety deemed the buildings unsuitable for business.  Edison Company responded and turned the power off to the buildings due to the illegal wiring / amount of electricity being used throughout the building.  

This is an ongoing investigation.  Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputies Talbot or McCracken at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245-3300.

As a reminder, "Community Policing" involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members.  Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.