Police seize more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana, shut down unlicensed extraction lab
KTVZ
LA PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Police seized thousands of pounds of marijuana and dismantled a large, unlicensed extraction lab during a raid Friday morning in southern Deschutes County.
On August 22, 2025, just after 7am, the Oregon State Police SWAT team served a search warrant in the 11000 block of Cedarwood Drive. While the address is listed in La Pine, officials said the property is located in Klamath County.
The search was conducted by the Deschutes County Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement (DCIMME) Team, with help from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and Redmond Police Department.
Investigators said Jacob Wayne Dondero was operating a sophisticated marijuana extraction lab at his residence. Police also found children living above the lab, along with an adult female whose name has not been released. In total, four children were removed from the property.
Officials said the living conditions inside the home were deemed unsafe and a health hazard. The Oregon Department of Human Services took custody of the children to place them in a more stable environment while they continue their investigation.
The Oregon State Police Clandestine Lab Team helped dismantle and remove the extraction lab.
Detectives said they located more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana, marijuana extract, packaging materials, cash, and evidence of illegal distribution. To remove everything from the property, police said they needed two dump trucks and additional trailers. The City of Bend Streets & Operations Division assisted by providing trucks and personnel.
Dondero was not at home during the raid. Police said he was in contact with investigators by phone but refused to turn himself in.
Anyone who knows his whereabouts is asked to call their local non-emergency dispatch number.
Police said Dondero will face charges connected to the illegal marijuana operation, and additional arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
Criminal complaints contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.