News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Marijuana Plants Seized by Agents

Marijuana Plants Seized by Agents

Over 3,000 Plants Removed as Evidence

By Michael P. Neufeld
Saturday, August 30, 2008

Onyx Summit - A ground team consisting of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Marijuana Eradication Team, Sheriff's Aviation Division, US Forest Service, DEA and CAMP (Campaign Against Marijuana Planting) entered Deadman's Canyon and located a marijuana grow.

At the cultivation site after about a 45-minute hike yesterday morning about 5:30 a.m., the team encountered a campsite. At this campsite were two Hispanic males, who fled from the officers on foot. The officers gave chase through the mountains (on foot) for about a mile until they located the suspects hiding in the brush.

San Bernardino National Forest (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The cultivation contained 3,208 mature, budding marijuana plants that varied in size from 2 feet to 8 feet tall. This cultivation has an approximate value of $11,228,000.00. The campsite appeared as if the two suspects occupied it full-time. All of the plants and equipment was removed as evidence.

Approximately 30 law enforcement personnel participated in this eradication. Investigators do not believe there are any outstanding suspects. Federal charges will be filed pending the outcome of a Grand Jury indictment.