Illegal Marijuana Search Warrant Served (Photo)

On September 11, 2024 Yamhill County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at a rural property in the 17000 block of NE Albert Way outside Newberg. The warrant was authorized to collect evidence related to the unlawful manufacture and possession of marijuana. The property to be searched was found to have no licensing through any of the regulatory agencies to be producing or processing cannabis.

Seven individuals were found at the property, which is a former equestrian facility. The arena had been converted into individual grow rooms and living quarters. There were also outdoor greenhouse type structures on the property where marijuana was being grown.

1608 growing marijuana plants were eradicated, and 260 pounds of processed marijuana was seized. A butane hash oil lab was found on the property, and specially trained personnel from the Oregon State Police NW Region Marijuana Team responded to safely dismantle the lab. Marijuana extracts were located inside the residence.

Photos and videos were taken to document the improper storage and application of hazardous chemicals within the grow site.

As with many of these illegal grow sites, the only motivation is pure profit, and the individuals who are either recruited, enticed, or coerced into working at the sites are not afforded the same workplace protections that are required of legal employers and marijuana production businesses, such as workman's compensation insurance, protective equipment, paid leave, and overtime compensation.

The following individuals were arrested for the listed charges related to this case:

Feliciano Calderon Garcia, age 41 from Hillsboro, OR, -Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

Maria Castaneda, age 24, from Hillsboro, OR - Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

Bertola Alvarez Castaneda, age 37, from Hillsboro, OR - Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

Santiago Calderon Garcia, age 57, from Hillsboro, OR - Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

Anahi Calderon Alvarez, age 19, no residence given - Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

Maria Antonia Alvarez Castaneda, age 32, from Newberg, OR - Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana

DoYoung Moon, age 60, from Newberg, OR - Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana Item, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana