California Department of Fish and Wildlife Shuts Down Illegal Cannabis Grows on Publicly Accessible Lands 

Through July and August, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW) Marijuana Enforcement Team conducted operations at six publicly
accessible sites throughout the state and uncovered illegal cannabis grows
hidden within sensitive habitats and watersheds in five counties.

The grow sites were uncovered in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Mateo,
Santa Cruz, and Tehama Counties, including on Forest Service property, a
municipal water district property, and underdeveloped private properties.

In a statement, CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham said that “Nearby
communities and fish and wildlife depend on clean water from these
watersheds.”

“When criminals steal or destroy the natural resources that support
California’s extraordinary biodiversity, we are committed to stopping them
– and we have the teams in place to do that, no matter how far into the
wilderness they try to hide their operations.” — Bonham in a press release

Officials concluded the grows were operated by transnational criminal
organizations, and eight suspects were arrested and charged with depositing
hazardous substances on land belonging to another; cannabis cultivation
resulting in pollution of waters of the state; cannabis cultivation causing
substantial environmental harm to public lands; cultivation of cannabis
with unlawful take; and resisting arrest.

The action led to the eradication of 21,000 cannabis plants, the
destruction of 150 pounds of processed cannabis, the removal of more than
2,300 pounds of trash and infrastructure, and the seizure of two illegal
firearms.