Sheriff's Department and U.S. Forest Service Eradicate Large Marijuana Grow

Los Padres National Forest- July 24th, 2009

Sheriff’s Deputies and U.S. Forest Law Enforcement Officers conducted a joint eradication/investigation of a large illegal marijuana grow in an isolated canyon in the National Forest today.  As a result a large illegal marijuana grow was eradicated in the Los Padres National Forrest, North of East Camino Cielo in Blue Canyon.

The operation netted over twenty five thousand (25,102) plants worth an estimated seventy-five ($75,000,000) million dollar street value.  No suspects were detained and the investigation is ongoing to determine who is responsible for the illegal grow.

Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue participated in the operation providing medical support during field operations.   One Sheriff’s Deputy was injured navigating the difficult terrain and was airlifted out of the grow by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.  The Deputy was flown to the command post and released to seek additional treatment and the injury is not considered serious.

Thirty Law Enforcement personnel were involved in the joint operation as well as helicopters assigned to the Sheriff’s Department, Aviation Support Unit.   

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