Thousands of Illegal Marijuana Plants Removed from California National Park
Federal authorities have removed over 2,300 marijuana plants and nearly a ton of trash from Sequoia National Park in California, along with a gun and dangerous chemicals. The illegal cultivation site, which was discovered in 2024, was dismantled last week by a team of law enforcement rangers and Bureau of Land Management special agents.
The site, which spanned roughly 13 acres, was found to be a well-organized drug-trafficking operation, with evidence of poaching, cleared vegetation, and illegal trails. Authorities also discovered a semi-automatic pistol, makeshift campsites, and chemicals, including a banned insecticide, Methamidophos.
The removal of the marijuana plants and trash was a challenging task, as much of the material was removed by hand and lifted out by helicopter. The operation was carried out by National Park Service law enforcement rangers and Bureau of Land Management special agents.
The impact of the illegal growing operation extends beyond the 13 acres it occupied. Runoff from the site may have contaminated nearby creeks, potentially exposing park visitors and wildlife to toxic materials. The cultivation also diverted water from a nearby creek, which could have harmed park vegetation and wildlife.
Sequoia National Park has been plagued by illegal drug trafficking operations for nearly 20 years, with authorities eradicating close to 300,000 plants worth an estimated $850 million inside the park and its neighboring Kings Canyon National Park.
The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information about illegal cultivation on park land is asked to call the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009.
