Local Agencies Eradicate 8,100 Marijuana Plants from SMC Coastal Mountains

With an estimated street value of $28.4 million, the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force and other agencies eradicated approximately 8100 marijuana plants in various stages of growth from numerous grow sites in the coastal mountains of San Mateo County between late August and early September, according a statement released by the agency Tuesday.

In addition to the plants, agents removed four tons of potential environmentally toxic garbage—from propane tanks and household garbage to pesticides and rodent poison.

The agency says that the marijuana grow sites were situated in secluded areas. The suspect(s), utilized sophisticated irrigation systems to tap into available water sources and maintained well-supplied source of water. None of the suspects have been located. One 12-gauge shotgun loaded with both .00 buck and slug ammunition was seized during the operation.

Much of the operation revolved around bringing back the land to its natural state through land reclamation efforts.   

The annual operation was a coordinated effort by the following agencies:

San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force

California Department of Justice-Office (CAMP)

US Forest Service

California Fish and Game

Santa Clara Sheriff’s Department

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office

California Air National Guard

High Sierra Volunteer Trail Crew

San Francisco Water Department