Recently, authorities raided an illegal cannabis farm in Northern California’s Sequoia National Park, removing over 2,000 marijuana plants.
The 13-acre site was reported to contain around 2,000 pounds of trash and other infrastructure, all of which was airlifted out by helicopters, according to the National Park Service.
Among the finds were dangerous chemicals, including semi-automatic firearms and insecticides that have been banned in the U.S. for more than 15 years.
Officials noted that the operation posed various risks and had inflicted significant damage on the park’s ecosystem.
- Illegal poaching activities were detected.
- A large portion of natural vegetation had been cleared away.
- Approximately two miles of trails were maintained unlawfully.
- Multiple campsites, kitchens, and cultivation areas were set up within the wilderness.
- Pits for storing drained water were created, and terraces were dug into the hillside for planting marijuana.
- Water from nearby streams is being diverted to irrigate the marijuana, with each plant consuming up to 8 gallons daily, which disrupts local wildlife and vegetation.
The NPS expressed concerns that water used for both personal consumption and crop irrigation might lead to pesticide runoff, potentially affecting the Central Valley.
“These cultivation sites severely harm the park’s natural resources and jeopardize public safety,” officials remarked.
This particular marijuana farm was first detected in 2024, but authorities didn’t launch a response until this year.
So far, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues. The NPS encourages anyone with information about illegal cultivation in park areas to reach out via their tip line at 888-653-0009.
Officials pointed out that organized drug traffickers have been conducting large-scale cultivation operations in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for almost 20 years.
During that period, around 300,000 marijuana plants, valued at approximately $850 million, have been eradicated from two California National Parks.
