UKIAH, Calif. (AP) — Authorities in Northern California have destroyed more than 42,000 marijuana plants as part of an investigation into unlicensed cannabis farms on public and private land that are impacting the environment.
RELATED STORY
In California’s Cannabis War, Civil Is the New Criminal
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that local, state and federal officials last week served 28 search warrants to marijuana farms without a permit along the Eel River in northern Mendocino County.
The office says the farms visited are suspected of harming the environment by polluting the water with trash, pesticides and generator fuel and damming watersheds.
Official say sites visited that do not have cannabis permits, state water permits for cannabis or permits from Cal Fire for deforestation and legal tree removal.
RELATED STORY
Federal Bill Would Expand Insurance Coverage to Cannabis Industry
It says no arrests have been made but that the cases will be submitted to prosecutors at a later date.
Boatload of Cannabis Found at LA Harbor
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles Port Police say increased drug smuggling patrols led to a seizure of about 1,200 pounds (544 kilograms) of marijuana from a vessel at a public boat launch ramp.
A police statement says officers observed a suspiciously bow-heavy 23-foot (7-meter) boat, a vehicle and trailer at Cabrillo Beach last weekend.
Numerous vehicle and vessel violations led to a search of the boat and discovery of the marijuana, valued at about $450,000.
RELATED STORY
High Seas: Weed-Smuggling Submarine Captured by Coast Guard
Three men detained in the investigation were later taken into custody by a border security task force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Port Police have increased surveillance at boat ramps due to an increase in drug smuggling attempts.
Earlier this year, police seized a load of marijuana from an unoccupied boat at Cabrillo Beach.
