Location: California Hot Springs area

Incident Date: 8/14/17

Incident Time: 0400-1400 hours

Case Number: 17-80064

City: California Hot Springs area

Posted by: Media Relations

In July 2017, members of the U.S. Forest Service conducted overflights in the California Hot Springs mountain area for illegal clandestine marijuana grow sites.

During the overflight, Forest Service Officers located a large clandestine marijuana grow sites in the Tyler Creek area and Boney White Fire Trail of California Hot Springs.

On 8-14-17, Detectives with the TAGNET Unit conducted an operation to eradicate the illegal marijuana grow sites with the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service and CAMP Task Force.

TAGNET stands for Tulare Area Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team.

While eradicating the 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 a camp site however; they were unable to locate any information on the identity of the suspect(s) responsible for the illegal marijuana grow.

During the operation, 24,108 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 by calling TIPNOW at (559) 725-4194 or sending an email to tcso@tipnow.com.