WINNEMUCCA - Over the last several years, there has been a marked increase in the discovery of illegal marijuana grows throughout the western United States and specifically in Nevada.
In Humboldt County, two significant grows have been discovered, with the last one being in August 2010. According to a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, this grow was located in the Santa Rosa Range near Orovada. During this seizure, over 4,000 plants were located and cut down. This grow, like so many of the other illegal gardens, was located on public lands. These grows have been found on BLM land and U.S. Forest Service lands throughout Nevada.
The serious concern for law enforcement regarding these illegal gardens being planted on public lands is the potential risk involved to the general public who utilize our open spaces. There have been numerous situations where these grows have been discovered by hunters or hikers and dangerous confrontations have taken place. Additionally, many law enforcement contacts with these suspects have ended in violence.
As the weather begins to warm and the mountains shed their snowpack, the growing season will soon begin, and those individuals who may be involved in planting these illegal gardens will begin their criminal activity.
In an effort to locate these potential gardens and the suspects who are planting them, Humboldt County Sheriff Ed Kilgore is requesting the assistance of the general public.
When venturing out into public lands, please remember these few tips:
• If you are out in an isolated area and come upon something suspicious, or out of place, stay away from it. If you have the ability to mark the location by GPS device, please record that information to pass onto law enforcement.
• Be observant of any isolated camping areas (tents) where no specific recreational activities usually occur.
• Be cognizant of a pattern of particular vehicle traffic in and out of an area that is very isolated.
• Take note of any areas that have been recently cleared of brush, and/or any irrigation lines being placed in locations not commonly used for legitimate agriculture. (Also any discovery of planting chemicals in unusual locations.)
• Pay attention to any types of markers being placed at road turn offs or trail heads, which seem unusual or out of place.
If any member of the community encounters any circumstances even slightly similar to the above points, please immediately contact the sheriff at (775) 623-6419. Your information and identity will remain strictly confidential.
It is only through a cooperative effort between the citizens of Humboldt County and the sheriff's office that these individuals will be found and prosecuted.
[[In-content Ad]]
