CDFW Assists NCSO with Search Warrants Targeting Illegal Cannabis Operations

Posted on October 8, 2026

“It’s important for law enforcement to search suspected illegal cannabis operations for numerous reasons, including public safety, environmental and safety hazards, and to halt illegal activity that competes with legal, licensed operations that follow the law, generate state revenue, and prioritize consumer safety.”

-CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

NEVADA COUNTY– On October 8, 2026, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office announced the results of operations conducted in August and September targeting illegal cannabis operations. Members of the NCSO’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) investigated 18 suspected illegal cannabis operations, serving search warrants at 12 properties in Grass Valley, five properties in Nevada City, and one in Smartsville.

During the service of the search warrants, NCSO and CDFW eradicated 2,780 plants, and destroyed 660 pounds of processed cannabis as well as l5 pounds of psychedelic mushrooms. Of the 18 properties searched, more than half were found to have either Water Code and/or Fish and Game Code violations, including violations related to water pollution and trash in or near a waterway, water diversion, and destruction to the environment. Unsanitary and unsafe living conditions were present at some of the properties.

According to NCSO, Christopher Shane Winge, 43, of Grass Valley, was arrested at one of the Grass Valley properties on September 21. Winge is a convicted and registered sex offender, and pursuant to 290(C)(1)PC, this elevates his involvement in the felonious marijuana cultivation under 11358(D)(1)HS. Winge was arrested for illegal cultivation as well as H&S 11358d(3)(C) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating Fish and Game Code 5650 or 5652; H&S 11358d(3)(B) – illegal cannabis cultivation while also violating 13260, 13264, 13272, or 13387 of the Water Code; and 182(A)(1) – conspiracy to commit crime.

Additional individuals are under investigation with cases currently pending completion and/or filed with the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

The 18 search warrants were executed as part of an ongoing joint agency collaboration between NCSO and CDFW with an emphasis on properties suspected of illegal cannabis operations while polluting California waterways/watersheds.

Partners who assisted NCSO SIU and CDFW with the execution of the search warrants included Yuba County Sheriff’s Department, Placer County Sheriff’s Office, State Water Resources Control Board, Nevada County Cannabis Compliance (a division of Nevada County Code Compliance), and Nevada County Environmental Health.

CDFW Assists NCSO with Search Warrants Targeting Illegal Cannabis Operations