Photo By Amy Phillips | Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL) eradicated a record $16.5 million worth of marijuana on July...... read more read more
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Fort Hunter Liggett (FHL) eradicated a record $16.5 million worth of marijuana on July 30, 2015. According to the FHL law enforcement, 5,523 plants were eradicated and the estimated street value for each plant is $3,000.
“This illegal drug eradication was a great team effort and can deter future growth on federal property,” said FHL Commander Col. Jan Norris.
Routine aerial surveys by U.S. Forest Service agents in July located several marijuana grows and coordinated with FHL for its removal. The Forest Service, along with the Monterey County Sheriffs and California Department of Fish & Wildlife are part of the Campaign Against Marijuana Program (CAMP).
FHL Police Lt. Robert Look Jr. says that marijuana grows can only be seen from a helicopter because of the remote areas they are planted. It is very difficult for law enforcement to have a constant presence in the vast acreage of FHL.
Another reason why they are attracted to areas like FHL and the adjacent Los Padres National Forest is the ideal weather to grow these plants.
Most people are aware of marijuana’s impact on society but little is heard about the negative environmental impact. Look says the drug cartels use fertilizers and pesticides that are so toxic that they are banned in the U.S.
“The chemicals used by these growers are long lasting, they affect native plants, and they contaminate soils and water,” said Liz Clark, FHL Conservation Programs manager. “This leads to negative effects on our ecosystem and wildlife. Also, cultivation and site cleanup damages waterways, wildlife, and cultural resources.”
In addition, the drug cartels (Mexican and Chinese) employ “field workers” who are armed and pose a threat to unsuspecting troops training at FHL. These workers also set up animal traps to protect their crops which can cause harm to humans.
“As readiness enablers for joint and coalition forces, our goal is to provide a safe training environment and protect the troops, families and civilians who live and work here at Fort Hunter Liggett,” said Norris. “These eradication efforts help us to achieve that aim.”
Illegal marijuana grows have been a long-existing problem at FHL and its neighboring National Forest. Officials say that every year crops are getting larger. Then there is also the issue of marijuana legalization in the state which could potentially bring more growers. Regardless of state regulations, growing marijuana would still be illegal on federal property.
“There is real concern amongst law enforcement agencies that if marijuana is legalized in California, the funding to fight this drug will stop,” said Look.
California has been debating for the last several years on marijuana legalization. According to a July 22 LA Times article, six different ballot measures to legalize marijuana have been submitted to the California Secretary Of State for the November ballot.
The record $16.5 million eradication “makes everyone feel good that we’re able to do our part,” said Look.
Many departments were involved in the July 29-30 eradication and disposal – the FHL Police Department “Watch Dogs” were the lead coordinating element; the FHL Fire Department provided support for the helicopter landing, and any medical support that was needed; the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security’s Range Operations ensured that no Soldiers were training near the extraction sites; and the Directorate of Public Works transported and destroyed the marijuana plants.
Additionally, the 382nd Military Police Detachment from San Diego here with the Warrior Exercise, provided overnight security of the marijuana plants.
For more information on FHL visit: www.liggett.army.mil and www.facebook.com/forthunterliggett.
| Date Taken: | 07.30.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2015 18:41 |
| Story ID: | 171800 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 2,205 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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