Major Marijuana Grow Operations Busted in Southern California Sweep
A large-scale law enforcement operation unfolded in the rural community of Thermal, Southern California, as hundreds of federal agents and soldiers joined forces to dismantle illegal marijuana farms. Around 500 personnel, including members of the National Guard and several federal agencies, participated in coordinated raids targeting extensive grow sites covering nearly 800 acres in Riverside County near Coachella.
The operation was launched due to the sheer size and challenging terrain of the area, prompting the Drug Enforcement Administration to call in support from agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, and the Army. The mission was carried out under federal search warrants issued by a magistrate judge.
Authorities detained between 70 and 75 individuals who were found to be undocumented immigrants, along with one U.S. citizen accused of obstructing law enforcement efforts. Several others are currently being questioned about their involvement in the illegal cultivation activities.
This sweeping action underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on unauthorized marijuana production in the region, aiming to curb illicit operations that have taken root in California’s rural landscapes.