More Marijuana Sites Raided in Los Padres National Forest

3,000 tons of trash, mostly drip line, were found at one of the grow sites. | Photo: Courtesy Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office

Following the eradication of 10 marijuana grow sites in July, authorities have discovered and raided two more this month in Los Padres National Forest. The sites, both in Santa Barbara County, yielded about 5,000 plants that could potentially be worth $16 million on the street, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

One of the raids occurred this morning above the 101 Freeway's Gaviota Tunnel. About 2,500 plants were found at the site, which was discovered by a Santa Barbara County helicopter.

The second site in Sulfur Springs Canyon area of the Cuyama Valley was raided August 1, yielding 3,000 plants. That site was discovered by hunters who reported it to the Sheriff's Office. 3,000 pounds of trash -- camping supplies, food, irrigation equipment -- and several weapons were found as well. Authorities would not describe the weapons.

In both raids, no suspects were arrested.

Also:
- Video: Go Behind the Scenes in a Marijuana Site Bust
- How to Identify a Marijuana Cultivation Site, and What to Do
- The Environmental Effects of Marijuana Sites in Our Forests

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