1,340 MATURE PLANTS

A marijuana eradication project, in the Plunge Creek area of Running Springs, resulted in the removal of 1,340 mature plants. (File Photo)

By Michael P. Neufeld

Running Springs, CA – Illegal marijuana grows — like the one eradicated along Plunge Creek in the Running Springs area — are becoming more and more of a threat to the forest ecosystems. Not only did drug enforcement officers eradicate 1,340 mature plants but the suspects had been clear cutting areas of the San Bernardino National Forest, causing irreversible damage to the forest.

Trash, fertilize and animal repellant were left behind by suspects when they apparently hastily abandoned the Plunge Creek grow. (Photo by U.S. Forest Service)

In addition, the suspects — who were not apprehended — left behind trash, fertilizer and animal repellent at the grow site and investigators located evidence that the suspects were armed with a 12-gauge shotgun and a large caliber rifle, according to a media release about Friday’s operation, which began at 6 a.m.

THE GROW

Investigators cut and confiscated 1,340 mature plants in the budding stage. The plants ranged from 6 to 9 feet in height.

The actual grow wass east of Highway 330 in the Running Springs area and re-routed water supplies to sustain their plants.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The investigation of the marijuana grow at Plunge Creek is ongoing, as authorities work to identify the suspects.

The latest eradication operation involved law enforcement personnel from the U.S. Forest Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) and the Sheriff’s Department Marijuana Eradication Team.

Persons with information are urged to contact Sheriff’s Narcotics at (909) 890-4840, or WeTIP for anonymous information at 1-800-76-CRIME (7463).

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