EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – Agents with the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team (MADNET) completed a marathon mission on Wednesday, June 12, eradicating nearly 15,000 marijuana plants in two separate grow sites in the Sierra National Forrest.
Working at an elevation of almost 6,000 feet, it took agents 12 hours to not only haul out thousands of marijuana plants, but reclaim nearly 5 miles of destroyed wilderness.During the operation, agents removed 4 miles of drip line and over 2,000 pounds of waste.
The first grow site on Upper Chiquito Creek, is the same location where fire crews battled a 40 acre forest fire last month. It has been determined the fire had been set by the growing operation, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. The surrounding area was badly scorched. The plants, however, survived.
Five miles away, agents tackled a second garden near lower Chiquito Creek, located perilously close to a popular public campground.
Due to the location and steep terrain, the only way agents were able to get in and out was by way of STABO (Stabilized Tactical Airborne Body Operations). Aerial support was supplied by the US Forest Service.
“Timing these eradication missions is always a gamble,” says Sheriff John Anderson. Depending on the weather, marijuana season generally lasts between May and late August. “If we remove the plants too quickly, we give drug traffickers time to replant.”
By destroying the entire operation, agents were able to deny growers any chance of returning to the site and planting again before the season ends.
Sheriff Anderson says, just like Bailey Flats, Chiquito Creek is popular among drug traffickers.
“Both areas, while hard to reach, provide three basic if not vital needs — water, sunlight, and above all seclusion.”
Agents say the growing operations are tied to drug trafficking organizations based in Mexico.
In addition to the marijuana plants and irrigation systems, agents removed propane tanks, stockpiled food, bags of fertilizer and drums of chemicals, clothing, bedding, tools, and trash.
No arrests were made during the operation.
Agents with MADNET (Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team) along with US Forest Service Officers, CA Department of Fish & Wildlife and sworn personnel with Madera County’s SWAT Team carried out Wednesday’s operation.
