Fight Against Illegal Marijuana Growing Intensifies in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

This year's first major raid on illegal marijuana growing in Sequoia National Park took place yesterday, May 8th. More than 17,300 immature marijuana plants and a large nursery capable of producing thousands more were eradicated. Two arrests were made in connection with this operation, with more arrests anticipated pending further investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, but preliminary evidence indicates that the marijuana grow sites raided yesterday are similar to those conducted by organized Mexican drug cartels, which have been found in these parks since 2001.

“As the growers have changed their tactics, so have we. These parks have a focused strategy which involves more park personnel, and includes the addition of a narcotics-detection dog,” Chief Ranger JD Swed declared. “The
National Park Service is committed to protecting these national treasures and this wilderness for the American people. We will do what it takes to stop this degradation of our natural resources.”

A National Park Service Tactical Team made up of rangers from several national parks participated with local park rangers in yesterday’s raid. A helicopter unit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection based out of Riverside, California, provided air support.

Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and evidence of weapons were found in the grow areas. An extensive infrastructure was found, including several camps, enough gear and food for several people to live on site for extended
periods of time, and an irrigation system using thousands of feet of hose. Since 2001, more than 141,000 plants have been eradicated from Sequoia National Park.

Few visitors tend to use the areas targeted by these grow operations, due to extreme heat, poison oak, steep drop-offs and lack of developed trails. If you are planning to visit the foothills in Sequoia National Park, please contact a visitor center for information, safety tips, and help planning your visit.

Anyone with information about illegal activities or who would like to report suspicious activity in the national parks should call 1-888-NPS-CRIME (888-677-2746). You may speak directly to a ranger or remain anonymous when reporting these activities.
NPS