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68K Pot Plants Worth Over $205M: Biggest Grow Op in Ventura Co. History Raided
Photo by jorizaga via the LAist Featured Photos pool
The Ventura County Sheriff's Department announced this morning they have busted up a large marijuana growing operation set up in the Los Padres National Forest, north of Ojai. The raid netted 68,488 pot plants, with an estimated street value of $205,464,000, making this the largest single cultivation in Ventura County's history.
The grow op was first discovered in June by VCSD Narcotics investigators. Joined by multiple agencies, the eradication operation was conducted on July 13th. The VCSD explains what was found at the site:
After being airlifted to various sites on the mountain, investigators discovered several campsites used by the growers. These consisted of several hundred pounds of equipment including tents, propane stoves, sleeping bags, fertilizers, pesticides, along with and an enormous amount of trash. Detectives located a 9mm handgun, a .22 caliber rifle and ammunition for a variety of other handguns and rifles. There was evidence of poaching as the remains of deer and other small animals were located near the camps.
Evidence of an irrigation system, as well as gardening tools and implements near the cultivation areas were found.
What didn't they find? Suspects.
No one has been arrested yet in conjunction with the eradication, and their investigation is ongoing.
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