Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (CA)
Significant Marijuana Plantation Eradicated
On Wednesday, August 5th, Sequoia/Kings Canyon rangers, a Pacific West Region special agent and a Yosemite ranger raided a marijuana plantation located near the northwest boundary of Sequoia National Park at an elevation of 6,000 feet. This grow site was the highest in elevation raided within Sequoia National Park to date. The tactical team was inserted near the site via short haul. The growers established this site in extremely steep terrain, causing a severe amount of damage to the area. Ninety-five percent of the trash, hose, hazmat and plant materials brought into the site, weighing approximately 1,000 pounds, was flown out by helicopter at the end of the day. As a result of the raid, more than 3,500 plants were seized with an estimated street value of more than $14,000,000. An investigation is underway.