Law enforcement officers raided a huge cannabis growing operation in a remote area of the Los Padres National Forest, which they believe was run by a Mexican drug cartel.
The operation was near Munson Creek, north of Ojai. Members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, plus state and federal law enforcement officers, reached the area by helicopter.
Detectives say the high-grade cannabis plants had a potential black market value of about $2 million. They found a sophisticated irrigation system using creek water and an elaborate campsite.
No one was arrested.
About 2,500 plants were destroyed and removed, along with about 2,000 pounds of garbage. Officials say the operation caused significant environmental harm to the area, with the growers using a variety of fertilizers and pesticides.
