Thousands of concealed cannabis plants, illegally grown, uprooted from a national park, along with seized firearms and hazardous chemicals.
In a significant development, a marijuana cultivation site has been dismantled in Sequoia National Park, California. The site, which spanned approximately 13 acres, was found to be a well-organized drug-trafficking operation, according to authorities.
The National Park Service (NPS) revealed that nearly 2,000 pounds of trash and infrastructure, including makeshift campsites, chemicals, and illegal trails, were removed from the site. Moreover, approximately 2,377 marijuana plants were uprooted, and a gallon of the insecticide Methamidophos, banned in the U.S. more than 15 years ago, was found at the site.
Officials claim that drug-trafficking operations in Sequoia National Park have been ongoing for nearly two decades. The Trump administration is considering reclassifying marijuana, which could have implications for such operations.
The discovery of the marijuana farm dates back to 2024. However, no arrests have been made in relation to the site, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about illegal cultivation on park land is asked to call the NPS tip line at 888-653-0009.
The marijuana farm is suspected to have contaminated runoff with toxic pesticides, potentially harming park visitors and wildlife. Each marijuana plant consumes six to eight gallons of water per day, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, exacerbating the environmental impact.
Evidence of poaching, cleared natural vegetation, and large pits were also found at the site, indicating the extensive damage caused by the illegal operation.
In a separate development, the Department of Justice has charged seven Chinese nationals in a multi-million dollar marijuana trafficking ring. It remains unclear whether these individuals are connected to the Sequoia National Park operation. The search results do not contain information about who led the illegal marijuana cultivation in Sequoia National Park.
As the investigation continues, the NPS is working to clean up the site and mitigate any potential harm to the park and its visitors. The dismantling of this marijuana farm serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect our national parks from illegal activities.
