Location: Badger/Blue Ridge mountain

Incident Date: 6/30/18, 7/2/18

Victim: State of California

City: Badger

Posted by: Media Relations

In the early weeks of June 2018, Detectives from T.A.G.N.E.T. Majors conducted overflights in the Badger and Blue Ridge mountain areas for illegal clandestine marijuana grow sites.

During the overflights, Detectives located several large clandestine marijuana grow sites within the mountains.

On 06-30-18 and 07-02-18, Detectives with the T.A.G.N.E.T. Majors and T.A.G.N.E.T. Units conducted operations to eradicate the illegal marijuana grow sites with the assistance of the C.A.M.P. Task Force.

While eradicating the illegal grow site, Detectives found numerous chemicals, a large amount of trash, the diversion of the natural waterways in the area and a deceased bear which appeared to have been poisoned due to the contaminated waterway.  

Detectives also located camp sites however; they were unable to locate any information on the identity of the suspects responsible for the illegal marijuana grow.

During the operation, 12,238 marijuana plants were eradicated and destroyed.

The investigation into illegal marijuana grow sites is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218 or they can remain anonymous through our TipNow Program by leaving a voice message or sending a text at (559) 725-4194 or an email to tcso@tipnow.com.