On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant for the Moua Y Lo property on the Oregon-California border south of Keno, Oregon. Surveillance of the property uncovered a large illegal marijuana trade.

Moua Y Lo, 62, of Waunakee, Wisconsin, was not at the scene. A recommendation for charges will be sent to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for:

• Unlawful possession of marijuana (ORS 475B.337)
• Illegal production of marijuana (ORS 475B.349)
• Unlawful use or appropriation of groundwater (ORS 537.535)

On-site investigation confirmed a large illegal marijuana cultivation operation with two unlicensed greenhouses and 1,216 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, including 180 pounds of processed and packaged marijuana ready for distribution. Also discovered and seized was a 1979 Freight Liner water truck suspected of illegally supplying water to several nearby illegal cultivation sites. Equipment for drying processed marijuana and potentially harmful fertilizers were also discovered. It is estimated that more than 170,000 gallons of water were illegally misappropriated to grow this amount of marijuana.

Investigators discovered a significant amount of trash and debris, including thousands of feet of plastic drip tubing, plastic greenhouse tarps, and more, scattered throughout the property.

Individuals who transport water or receive water deliveries in Oregon are required to keep records and submit them to law enforcement. “The seizure of a water carrier used to illegally manufacture marijuana represents a significant disruption of this form of criminal enterprise. Disruption and prevention of the profits of these criminals has been the dual goal since our eradication efforts began years ago,” said Sheriff Chris Kaber.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Basin Inter-Agency Narcotics Enforcement Team, Oregon State Police, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Klamath County Waste Management, Klamath County Code Enforcement, Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon State Water Master.