TASK FORCE BUSTS MEDFORD HEMP DISPENSARY SELLING BLACK-MARKET CANNABIS NATIONWIDE, FINDS ILLEGAL BHO LAB, 4000 LBS. MARIJUANA & CANNABIS EXTRACT, METH, SEVEN FIREARMS; ARRESTS TWO SUSPECTS, SEIZES NEARLY $800K

JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – After a six-month long investigation, Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) detectives served 11 search warrants yesterday morning, Thursday, August 28, at residences and warehouses in Ashland and Medford in connection to a black-market cannabis dispensary operation. Two men were arrested for their involvement in operating the illegal dispensary acting under a hemp license. Investigators also discovered a dangerous and illegal Butane Honey Oil (BHO) laboratory in one of the warehouses.

Two suspects were arrested as a result of the investigation. Robert Denis Guerin, 67, of Ashland, was charged with four felony counts of unlawful possession of a marijuana item, and one felony count each of unlawful delivery of a marijuana item and unlawful manufacture of a marijuana item. Kolton John Chournos, 32, of Medford, was charged with four felony counts of unlawful possession of a marijuana item, and one felony count each of unlawful delivery of a marijuana item and unlawful manufacture of a marijuana item. Chournos was also charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

IMET detectives served search warrants at a residence in the 2800 block of Orrin Street in Medford, a residence in the 500 block of West Nevada Street in Ashland, and at three warehouses in the 800 block of South Riverside Avenue in Medford. During the search warrants investigators seized approximately 4,320 lbs. of bulk marijuana and marijuana extracts, 23 grams of meth, and seven firearms. Approximately $790,000 was seized from the illegal cannabis business.

There was no licensing for the distribution of cannabis at the warehouse locations. The operation held a hemp handler permit through the Oregon Department of Agriculture. Under the hemp licensing businesses are not able to grow, handle, process, or sell marijuana that exceeds .3 percent THC. During the search warrant, investigators seized cannabis testing at more than 20 percent THC, which is approximately 66 times the legal amount. IMET was assisted by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police (OSP), Grants Pass Police Department, and Medford Fire Department (MFD).

During the search warrant, an MFD Fire Marshal and Medford Police Department Community Service Officers responded to the scene to investigate the illegal BHO laboratory found in a warehouse. BHO labs are at higher risk of fires and explosions due to the use of butane, a highly flammable and volatile substance.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, OSP, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads. No further information is currently available for release.