United States News
See other United States News Articles
Title: Hunters Find Largest Outdoor Pot Grow In State History
Source:
kptv.com
URL Source: http://www.kptv.com/news/28273226/detail.html
Published: Jun 17, 2011
Author: staff
Post Date: 2011-06-17 16:23:41 by Ferret Mike
Keywords: None
Views: 3659
Comments: 10
LA GRANDE, Ore. -- Oregon State Police say they have uncovered what they believe is the largest outdoor marijuana growing operation in state history. A group of bear hunters came upon the marijuana this spring and reported it to local police. On Wednesday, a state police SWAT team and an Oregon Army National Guard air team raided the site, located in a remote section of Wallowa County in northeast Oregon. More than 91,000 plants, ranging in size from starter plants to 10 inches, were removed or destroyed by police over a two-day period. La Grande Police Sgt. John Shaul describes the marijuana growing operation as "staggering," and says it encompassed a more than one-mile stretch in a ravine. There were also miles of plastic irrigation tubing found. Six suspects were taken into custody during the raid. Police found campsites and numerous weapons, including semi-automatic, long-barrel guns. There was also enough food, water and other supplies to sustain the marijuana growers for several weeks, police say. It wasn't immediately known where the suspects are from. Troopers say 26-year-old Arturo Barrera, 24-year-old Federico Carrasco, 28-year-old Christian Gonzalez, 32-year-old Fredy Montes, 21-year-old Jesus Sanchez and 29-year-old Audel Soto are all being held on charges of unlawful manufacturing and possessing marijuana. Wallowa County Sheriff Fred Steen says the marijuana site raises a number of environmental concerns. "An extensive amount of trash including tubing, plastic planter containers, herbicide and other toxic chemicals were dumped along a river's edge," Steen says. Police say the suspects may face charges related to environmental crimes in addition to their drug charges. Steen says people in Oregon should keep a watchful eye out for marijuana growing sites when they're enjoying the wilderness this summer. He says the marijuana growers are often armed with weapons to protect themselves from police and others.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 1.
#1. To: Ferret Mike (#0)
Actually, its the 'largest one they've found'. Its not even close to the largest in state history.
There are no replies to Comment # 1. End Trace Mode for Comment # 1.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
Replies to Comment # 1.
[Home] [Headlines] [Latest Articles] [Latest Comments] [Post] [Mail] [Sign-in] [Setup] [Help] [Register]