In July of 2021, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Narcotics investigators created the email address MarijuanaTips@lasd.org.

This was done to facilitate and expedite the ability of residents to provide information directly to the detectives investigating marijuana cultivation cases. Detectives strongly encourage the public to use this email address to send information about suspected illegal cannabis grow houses and property and illegal cannabis distribution operations and business in the Antelope Valley as well as the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County to help eradicate this problem.

Why you should help eradicate illegal cannabis growers and cultivation.

• Most of these sites are connected to Mexican Cartels, Asian organized crime, and other organized crime groups.
• Illegal cannabis dispensaries in the AV are a source of extreme amounts of violence such as robberies and murders.
• Threats by armed individuals against citizens living in close proximity to illegal marijuana grows is increasing in frequency.
• These illegal cultivation sites threaten the safety of communities, the environment, and wildlife.
• The threat to the environment and wildlife cannot begin to be calculated as growers consistently use banned pesticides and fertilizers for their illegal crops.
• The unpermitted water wells being drilled to water the illegal crops drastically affects underground aquifers.
• Water theft occurs at an alarming rate, threatening the water supply for residents in all areas of the antelope valley. By the DEA's calculation [2021 data], the illegal grows in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties require an astounding 5.4 million gallons of water a day, every day.

Anyone who sees activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature should contact their local sheriff’s station, or remain anonymous and email your tips and info to MarijuanaTips@lasd.org.

How to Spot a Marijuana Grow House in Your Neighborhood — Tips from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has offered the tips below for spotting an illegal marijuana grow house or illegal cannabis operation in your neighborhood:

• Immediate indoor construction following the purchase of a residence.
• Construction occurring during darkness hours and on weekends.
• Construction primarily inside detached buildings and garages
• No move in of household belongings, appliances, furniture, etc.
• Middle aged men being the only persons visiting the residence.
• Luxury vehicles randomly arriving at the residence.
• Unusual patterns of human activity (persons seldom there, then an influx of traffic).
• Unusual lighting, such as interior lights constantly on, or increased security lighting.
• Large diesel generators on the property.
• Additions to detached buildings and garages.
• Installation of air conditioning units.
• Air conditioning units operating in cold weather.
• Installation of solar panels.
• Installation of solid perimeter fencing, or security fencing.
• Installation of multiple surveillance cameras.
• Overall lack of care and maintenance for landscaping.
• Strong odor of marijuana emitting from buildings on the property.
• Exterior windows being covered from inside the residence.
• Large aggressive dogs roaming the property.
• Ventilation ducting installed in odd locations on the residence.
• Alterations to electrical panels.

Anyone who sees activity that appears to be suspicious or criminal in nature should contact their local sheriff’s station, or remain anonymous and email your tips and info to MarijuanaTips@lasd.org.

The LASD thanks you for your help in fighting this battle.