Law enforcement dismantles massive illegal marijuana operation in Sequoia National Park
- Authorities discovered an illegal marijuana farm in Sequoia National Park, which was active since 2024.
- More than 2,000 pounds of trash and hazardous materials were removed from the site, which severely damaged parkland.
- The extensive illegal cultivation highlights ongoing challenges with drug-trafficking in national parks, necessitating continued surveillance and law enforcement efforts.
In California, recent efforts led by the National Park Service resulted in the dismantling of a significant illegal marijuana cultivation site within Sequoia National Park. Law enforcement rangers removed a total of 2,377 full-grown marijuana plants and approximately 2,000 pounds of trash and infrastructure from the site, which had been on park land for an extended period. The site spanned around 13 acres and had detrimental effects on the park's natural environment. The operation was discovered back in 2024, but the full remediation took longer due to the presence of dangerous substances. Upon further inspection this year, authorities discovered additional hazardous materials, including a semi-automatic pistol and Methamidophos, a highly toxic insecticide banned in the U.S. since 2009. This operation exemplified a well-organized drug-trafficking venture that has plagued the area for nearly two decades, resulting in the eradication of almost 300,000 marijuana plants valued at roughly $850 million in the region combined with Kings Canyon National Park. The cultivation site displayed signs of severe environmental damage, including the diversion of water from a nearby creek, which was redirected to support illegal marijuana crops. Furthermore, significant vegetation was cleared away, and illegal trails were constructed, causing harm not only to the immediate area within the park but also potentially impacting wildlife and park visitors through contaminated runoff. The growing operation raised concerns among officials, as it did not only threaten the pristine landscapes of Sequoia National Park but also highlighted the ongoing challenge of drug-trafficking organizations operating within protected lands. As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigations are still continuing. The National Park Service has urged anyone with relevant information regarding illegal marijuana cultivation on park land to reach out to their tip line.