Las Vegas Metro Police (LVMPD) conducted a significant drug bust at a residence near Alexander Road and Tenaya, seizing 814 pounds of marijuana. The operation has raised alarm among local residents, who expressed concerns about the implications of such an extensive illegal grow operation in their community.
On Thursday morning, LVMPD shared initial details regarding the seizure, which included dozens of boxes filled with marijuana as well as equipment used for cultivating the plants. Local residents, such as James Dean Gamponia, reacted with disbelief, stating, “Wow, that is a lot, man, that is like abuse. It’s abusing the purpose.” Another resident, Steven Gamponia, added his worries about the proximity of schools, emphasizing that there are at least three educational institutions within a mile of the location. He remarked, “You can’t have it, there are at least three schools right now that I know of that are within a mile of this area. At that many pounds, Jesus, go to some other place, we don’t need it over here.”
While recreational marijuana has been legal in Clark County since July 2017, strict regulations govern its cultivation and use. According to Nevada law, individuals aged 21 and older can grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use if there are no dispensaries within a 25-mile radius. This limit increases to a maximum of 12 plants per household if multiple qualified individuals reside at the same address. Residents suspect that the amount of marijuana seized greatly exceeded these legal limits.
One nearby resident expressed concern that such illegal operations could undermine legitimate medical cannabis access for those who rely on it for conditions like PTSD. LVMPD confirmed that the extensive marijuana growing operation has been dismantled, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges local authorities face in enforcing cannabis regulations and ensuring community safety.
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