Illicit Marijuana Operation Dismantled in Sequoia National Park
Federal park rangers dismantled an illicit marijuana-growing operation in Sequoia National Park last week, officials said Thursday.
Details of the Operation
The National Park Service reported crews removed 2,377 mature marijuana plants and roughly 2,000 pounds of trash and cultivation infrastructure from a 13-acre grow site.
Discovery of Hazardous Items
Rangers also discovered a semi-automatic pistol and a supply of hazardous chemicals, including methamidophos, a potent insecticide that has been banned in the U.S. since 2009.
Previous Raids and Environmental Impact
Park staff said the same location had been raided a year earlier, but cleanup and rehabilitation were delayed until this year because of the dangerous chemicals present.
Investigators documented substantial environmental harm, including diversion of water from a nearby creek, installation of irrigation lines, removal of native vegetation, and construction of several large pits used to store the stolen water.
Additional Findings
Officials also found signs of poaching and an extensive net...