DEA officers and Washington County, Utah narcotics officers have discovered a massive outdoor marijuana grow that is now being linked to Mexican drug cartel La Familia.
The raid began early yesterday morning, and officers found an estimated 2,000 to 6,000 marijuana plants, some growing over 12 feet tall. Marijuana plants spanned 10 acres. The illegal grow was located near Virgin River Gorge, about four miles away from Interstate 15.
Officers had to hike 4 hours through rough and overgrown terrain to reach the grow site, which was initially spotted by helicopter. DEA spokeswoman Sue Thomas said, “It was a horrible hike getting in here. Just horrific terrain and at one point waist-deep water. It was so rugged we were surprised no one broke a leg.”
Ironically, the piece of evidence tying the grow to La Familia is a cut-off leg cast with the word “Michoacan” written on it next to a drawing of an AK-47. The art work links to the cartel’s location and iconography.
The site was abandoned when officers arrived. Thomas explained that, “It looks like the site was abandoned about a week and a half ago. We don’t know why, if they ran out of water or got spooked by planes flying overhead or what.”
According to Washington County Sheriff Cory Pulsipher, officials had known about the grow site for three years, but they were previously unable to locate it.
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SamsonSimpson said on Aug 25, 2012
The raid was actually in South Utah's Washington county. You kind if make it sound like it happened in Washington state. I wasn't sure if you knew that.
lucy said on Aug 25, 2012
Hey SS! Sorry if I didn't make it clear enough that it was Washington County and not Washington state. Edited the article to clarify for people who aren't familiar with Utah!!
cquirki said on Aug 26, 2012
Thanks! amazing the cartel in our backyard. too bad the cartel is giving cannabis a bad name just from association
rayc1962 said on Aug 28, 2012
My friend, we give cannabis a bad name by not legalizing it.