Sequoia National Park Cleared of Massive Illegal Marijuana Grow
A large-scale illegal marijuana cultivation operation hidden within Sequoia National Park has been dismantled, revealing the extent of environmental damage and potential dangers posed by such activities. Park officials removed thousands of marijuana plants and a significant amount of hazardous waste from the site.
The National Park Service (NPS) reported the removal of 2,377 fully grown marijuana plants and approximately 2,000 pounds of trash and infrastructure from a 13-acre area within the protected California parkland. The operation required NPS law enforcement rangers and Bureau of Land Management special agents to manually remove much of the material, utilizing helicopters to lift it out of the remote location.
Environmental Impact and Public Safety Concerns
Authorities described the cultivation as a sophisticated drug-trafficking operation, a problem that has plagued Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for nearly two decades. Over this period, nearly 300,000 plants, estimated to be worth $850 million, have been eradicated from these parks.
The site, initially discovered in 2024, presented significant challenges due to the presence of dangerous chemicals. Upon returning this year, crews discovered a semi-automatic pistol, makeshift campsites with kitchen areas, and hazardous chemicals, including Methamidophos, an insecticide banned in the U.S. more than 15 years ago. The illegal operation also diverted water from nearby creeks, installed irrigation lines, cleared vegetation, and dug large pits for water storage, causing significant environmental damage.
- 2,377 marijuana plants removed
- 2,000 pounds of trash and infrastructure removed
- 13 acres of damaged parkland
- Semi-automatic pistol found
- Banned insecticide (Methamidophos) discovered
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Cultivation
The NPS has been working to combat these illegal operations, which often involve poaching and the creation of illegal trails. The removal of this cultivation site represents a significant step in protecting the natural resources and ensuring the safety of visitors to Sequoia National Park, home to iconic giant sequoias and Mount Whitney.