Location: Dry Creek area, Badger

Incident Date: 7/20/17

Incident Time: 0330 hours

Case Number: 17-80047 and 17-80048

City: Badger

Posted by: Media Relations

Suspects: Unknown 

In June/July 2017, Tulare County Sheriff’s Detective’s with the TAGNET Unit conducted overflights of the Dry Creek area below Badger for illegal clandestine marijuana grow sites.

During the overflight, Detectives located two separate clandestine marijuana grow sites east of Dry Creek Road in and around the area of mile marker 14.

On 7-20-17, Detectives with the TAGNET Unit conducted an operation to locate and eradicate the illegal marijuana grow sites.

Upon locating the two illegal grow sites, Detectives found numerous chemicals, a large amount of trash and the disruption of the natural waterways in the area. Detectives also located numerous camp sites. However, they were unable to locate any information as to the identity of the suspects responsible for the illegal marijuana grow.

During the operation, over 12,536 marijuana plants were eradicated and destroyed. They had an estimated street value of $37,608,000.

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 by calling TIPNOW at (559) 725-4194.

TAGNET stands for Tulare Area Gang and Narcotic Enforcement Team.