Authorities in Southern Oregon have dismantled a significant alleged black-market cannabis operation, leading to the arrest of two men. The six-month investigation culminated in raids across Ashland and Medford, uncovering a sophisticated scheme that exploited hemp licensing regulations. Investigators discovered vast quantities of illegal cannabis products, substantial cash reserves, firearms, and a volatile Butane Honey Oil (BHO) laboratory. This bust highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating illicit marijuana trade within the state of Oregon.
Six-Month Investigation Leads to Raids
The Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), a multi-agency task force, spearheaded the investigation that ultimately targeted residences and warehouses in Medford and Ashland. The operation, which spanned half a year, aimed to uncover illicit cannabis distribution and manufacturing. On a recent Thursday morning, IMET detectives, with assistance from various law enforcement bodies including the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Oregon State Police, executed multiple search warrants. These warrants were served at locations including a residence in Medford’s 2800 block of Orrin Street, a residence in Ashland’s 500 block of West Nevada Street, and three warehouses situated in the 800 block of South Riverside Avenue in Medford.
Hemp License Deception and High THC Levels
At the heart of the alleged operation was a deliberate misrepresentation of its activities. Investigators revealed that the suspects were functioning under a hemp handler permit issued by the Oregon Department of Agriculture. However, testing of the seized cannabis products painted a starkly different picture. The marijuana and its extracts tested at THC levels exceeding 20%, a figure vastly higher than the legal limit of 0.3% total THC permitted for hemp under Oregon law. This significant discrepancy indicated a clear violation of regulations and the operation’s intent to distribute high-THC cannabis products illegally. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) has previously reported on the prevalence of hemp products exceeding legal THC limits, underscoring this issue as a recurring concern in the state’s cannabis news.
Discovery of Dangerous BHO Laboratory
Adding to the severity of the findings, authorities discovered a clandestine Butane Honey Oil (BHO) laboratory within one of the targeted warehouses. BHO extraction is a process that uses highly flammable butane gas to create potent cannabis concentrates. Such laboratories are considered extremely dangerous due to the inherent risk of fires and explosions. Fire marshals from the Medford Fire Department and community service officers from the Medford Police Department were dispatched to the scene to investigate and mitigate the hazards associated with the illegal lab.
Massive Seizures and Financial Impact
The comprehensive execution of the search warrants yielded an extensive array of illicit items. Law enforcement officials seized approximately 4,320 pounds of bulk marijuana and various marijuana extracts. In addition to the cannabis, authorities also confiscated 23 grams of methamphetamine, seven firearms, and a significant amount of cash, totaling around $790,000. The sheer volume of product and currency seized points to the scale and profitability of the alleged black-market enterprise.
Arrests and Charges Filed
As a result of the investigation and subsequent raids, two individuals have been arrested and charged. Robert Denis Guerin, 67, of Ashland, faces multiple felony counts, including unlawful possession of a marijuana item, unlawful delivery of a marijuana item, and unlawful manufacture of a marijuana item. Kolton John Chournos, 32, of Medford, was arrested and charged with similar felony counts related to marijuana possession, delivery, and manufacturing. Chournos also faces an additional charge for unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Investigations into the operation are reportedly ongoing, with authorities pursuing additional leads that could lead to further arrests or charges.
Broader Context in Oregon’s Cannabis Market
This recent bust is part of a larger, persistent effort by law enforcement agencies across Oregon to combat illegal marijuana grows and black-market activities. The state’s regulated cannabis market, while growing, continues to grapple with the presence of unlicensed operations that flout safety regulations and undermine legal businesses. Incidents involving BHO labs and high-THC hemp products exceeding legal limits have been recurrent themes in Oregon cannabis news, prompting ongoing vigilance from regulatory bodies and law enforcement. Agencies like IMET play a crucial role in targeting these operations to protect public safety and uphold the integrity of the legal cannabis framework.
Conclusion
The successful dismantling of this alleged black-market cannabis dispensary and BHO lab operation in Medford and Ashland marks a significant win for law enforcement in Oregon. The arrests and substantial seizures underscore the continuing presence of illicit activities within the state’s cannabis sector. Authorities continue to investigate, and further developments are anticipated as the case progresses.
