Operation Hammer Strike was created to eradicate the more than 1,000 illegal cannabis farms that had sprouted up on pieces of land throughout the county’s vast desert region after a state law had made illicit marijuana farming a misdemeanor. Commercial cannabis cultivation is illegal in the county unincorporated areas.

Residents living near the makeshift fly-by-night operations were menaced by the heavily armed guards hired by the growers to protect the crops. Also, illegal cannabis farms frequently use illegal pesticides that kill wildlife and pollute groundwater.

During the past year, Operation Hammer Strike has eradicated nearly 1,100 illegal cannabis grow locations, with over 8,600 greenhouses taken out of commission. Teams seized over 1.4 million cannabis plants, 97 tons of processed marijuana, and 175 pounds of concentrated cannabis, along with more than 350 firearms. The estimated street value of the cannabis seized during Operation Hammer Strike is over one billion dollars. More than 1,300 people have been arrested.    The program has evolved from part-time teams to two full-time expanded teams in partnership with local, state, and federal authorities. 

Anyone with information regarding illegal marijuana grows is urged to contact their local Sheriff's Station or Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909) 387-8400 or at NARC-MET@sbcsd.org. Callers can remain anonymous and contact the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to www.wetip.com