Illegal marijuana, meth, firearms and $790K seized by authorities

Rogue Valley Times staff report

Authorities raided residences and warehouses in Ashland and Medford last week in connection to an alleged black-market cannabis dispensary operation, and two men were arrested.

The arrests, after a six-month investigation involving the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET), alleged the suspects’ 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, according to a news release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert Denis Guerin, 67, of Ashland, was arrested Thursday and 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 arrested and 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,” the release said. “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.”

Sheriff’s office officials noted 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,” the release said.

IMET was assisted by the sheriff’s office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department and Medford Fire Department, according to the release.

“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,” sheriff’s office officials said.

The investigations are open and ongoing with detectives working additional leads, and no further information is available, according to JCSO Public Information Officer Aaron Lewis.

This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.