Various agencies conducted a joint marijuana eradication effort near Sky Forest on Thursday seizing 4,389 plants with a street value in excess of $3.5 million. (File Photo by San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)
By G. T. Houts
Sky Forest, CA – A joint marijuana eradication operation in Gilly Canyon near Sky Forest resulted in the seizure of 4,389 marijuana plants, according to a press release issued by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team conducted a joint operation with CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting), members of the U. S. Forest Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration and began the eradication effort at 8 a.m. on Thursday (August 6).
Marijuana plant (File Photo)
Officials report the site was located in extremely rugged terrain approximately one mile south of State Highway 18 near the community of Skyforest.
The street value of the plants is estimated to be in excess of $3.5 million.
THE GROW
Investigators found the 4,389 marijuana plants in the large grow, camping equipment and an abundance of trash as evidence that several suspects were living within the site and caring for the marijuana plants.
No arrests have been made, according to the media advisory. The investigation of the marijuana grow is ongoing.
DAMAGE TO FOREST
An example of some of the trash left behind by fleeing suspects. (File Photo by U.S. Forest Service)
Officials involved in the eradication effort indicated the suspects cut away and cleared the natural brush along the mountainside so they could plant the marijuana.
This causes irreversible damage to the forest.
Investigators also found the suspects were using a common method of diverting water from the natural resources, such as streams and creeks, into the marijuana gardens.
This is accomplished by using commercial irrigation tubing or pipe to re-route the water out of the streams and creeks into water basins or directly to the marijuana gardens.
Based on the size of the marijuana garden found, it is estimated that thousands of gallons of water each day was being diverted into the grow site.
Investigators removed two large cargo nets filled with supplies and trash from the site.
THE PLANTS
The mature plants were producing bud and ranged in height from 2 to 5 feet tall. The suspects were in the process of harvesting the marijuana.
After harvesting, the marijuana bud is dried, processed and packaged for removal from the grow site.
At this time, it is unknown where the marijuana was being taken to, but most likely would have been sold illegally.
INFORMATION SOUGHT
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information online at WE-TIP.
Marijuana buds (File Photo)