Agents Pull 15,000 Pot Plants In Sierra National Forest
OAKHURST, Madera County (CBS / AP) -- Agents in Madera County have eradicated nearly 15,000 marijuana plants on two grow sites in the Sierra National Forest.
Madera County Sheriff's spokeswoman Erica Stuart said the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team pulled the plants on Wednesday, reclaiming nearly five miles of wilderness.
Due to high elevation and steep terrain, agents had to access the grow sites by air. Stuart said they also removed four miles of drip irrigation line, over 2,000 pounds of waste, propane tanks, food and bedding. No arrests were made.
Officials say one of the sites, Upper Chiquito Creek, is where fire crews battled a 40-acre forest fire last month. Officials say the fire had been set by marijuana growers.
The second grow site, near lower Chiquito Creek, was located close to a popular public campground.
Officials said the operations are tied to Mexican drug-trafficking organizations.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
