The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors announced Tuesday its allocation of funds in an effort to stop illegal cannabis growth operations in the Antelope Valley and dispensaries county-wide.

The board approved nearly $5 million to address the crises, including $2.4 million to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to encourage the stop of illegal cannabis growing and water theft in Antelope Valley.

“Illegal cannabis operations continue to threaten the well-being of our residents, water supply and environment,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the County’s fifth District including the Santa Clarita Valley. “By empowering and equipping our law enforcement partners with the resources they need, we can better protect our communities.”

$1.2 million is expected to be set for the Department’s Marijuana Eradication Team to eliminate grows, $503,000 is set to go to patrol at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station and $707,000 is for purchasing trucks needed to conduct investigations, officials said.

Additionally, the Sheriff’s Department Cannabis Consumer Health and Safety Task Force received $2.5 million to combat illegal dispensaries in areas across the county, according to officials.

During the summer, the LASD seized 16 tons and $1.19 billion worth of illegal cannabis plants in the Antelope Valley. About 131 people were arrested in relation to the growths and 180 animals were rescued onsite.

The total supplemental budget approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday was $39.3 billion, according to officials.

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