Marijuana Eradication Team (MET)

History

The County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Eradication Team was formed in June of 2002. It is funded by the Marijuana Suppression Program (MSP) grant from the California Emergency Management Agency (CAL EMA) and the Domestic Cannabis Eradication / Suppression Program (DCE/SP), which is funded by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

The team is comprised of a full time sergeant and deputy, as well as 8 deputies that assist as a collateral duty. Members are trained in all facets of marijuana investigations. This training includes, aerial spotting, marijuana horticulture, cultivation trends, investigative techniques, expert witness testimony, search warrant execution, arrest tactics, medical marijuana laws and report writing.

MET objectives

• Eradication of marijuana gardens
• Identification, apprehension and successful prosecution of violators
• Assist other law enforcement agencies concerning marijuana investigations
• Educate the community concerning the hazards associated with marijuana cultivation
• Educate law enforcement concerning medical marijuana issues

Marijuana cultivation hazards and environmental concerns

The majority of domestically grown marijuana occurs in California on public land. The sale of marijuana is a very lucrative business and most marijuana related violence is associated with cultivation. Law enforcement frequently confronts armed suspects in marijuana gardens. 

Illegal use of pesticides, chemicals, fertilizers and dumping of trash and human waste occur in conjunction with marijuana cultivation. Related crimes such as poaching, theft of livestock and diversion of waterways result in endangered wildlife, degradation of water quality, erosion and severe harm to the ecosystem.