Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Large pot operation busted near Bon Tempe and Kent Lakes

Extensive raid covered pot-growing operations in West Marin and near Fairfax.

4:10 p.m.

In collaboration with 142 officers and staff from other law enforcement agencies, the Marin County Sheriff's office eradicated almost 7,000 outdoor marijuana plants with an estimated value of over $20 million. The plants ranged from 2 feet to 5 feet high and were spread over approximately 100 acres in the ridgelines and canyons surrounding Kent Lake. Once agents cut down the plants, helicopters provided by the California Air National Guard and the California State Department of Justice were used to carry the plants to a landing site, where they were loaded onto vehicles for transport to a location where they were destroyed.  

At the three cultivation sites, agents also found dangerous chemicals including rat poison, fertilizers and insecticides as well as other hazardous materials.  These materials are dangerous to wildlife and pets, but can also affect other animals as the poisons travel up the food chain.

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"It is unfortunate to see what is happening to our recreational areas, wildlife habitats, water supplies and other natural resources as a result of these illegal grow operations. It is worth every dollar spent to rid our public lands of the environmental hazards and the destruction that these suspects leave behind," said Sheriff's Srgt. Debra Barry.

In addition to the danger posed to wildlife and the possibility of armed confrontations around these type of growing operations, officers also found a number of devices designed to disguise the sites or injure those that happen too close.

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Along with the sites, encampments including tents, food, shower areas, camouflage clothing and miscellaneous personal items were found. There was also ammunition for .45 caliber handguns, which raises safety concerns for the public.

When officers hiked in, one suspect was seen fleeing but was not apprehended. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made. Any one with information about the operation is encouraged to call the sheriff's office. 

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3:26 p.m.

A large raid busted a number of pot growing operations in West Marin and near Kent and Bon Tempe lakes in the hills above Fairfax on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

The raid, led by Marin County Sheriff's officers with the cooperation of several other state and federal agencies, began at 7 a.m., but according to residents in the Cascade neighborhood helicopters flew over the area for most of the day.

Several illicit and large marijuana growing operations have been found in West Marin and the foothills of Mt. Tamalpais. According to County Sheriff Sgt. Debra Barry, there have also been an alarming increase in the number of confrontations between armed growers and officers and civilians throughout Northern California.

"The people who are responsible for these illegal operations have no regard for public safety," said Barry.

In addition, the dangerous chemicals, hazardous waste and clearing of brush damages the watershed and park. 

No one was arrested yesterday during the raid, but the sheriff's office wanted "to eliminate the threat of harm or danger to the citizens of our communities and to visitors who enjoy recreating in our public lands," said Barry.

Anyone with information about the operations should call the sheriff's office at 415-479-2311 or Bay Area Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. 


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