Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office personnel along with members of the California National Guard removed approximately 4,000 illegal marijuana plants growing on private land along Santa Rosa Road between Lompoc and Buellton. The plants, which had a street value of around $12 million, were discovered by the landowner when he spotted people trespassing on his property and found they had diverted livestock water to grow the cannabis crop. No one was arrested during the eradication on August 29, and the case is under investigation.
“The Sheriff’s Office wants to remind property owners that while most of the illegal marijuana grows have been discovered on public land so far this year, the activity is occurring on private land as well,” said Sheriff’s spokesperson Kelly Hoover in a prepared statement. “Property owners should be aware that individuals involved in these illegal operations are willing to trespass onto private land to conduct their operations. If you suspect there is marijuana being grown on your property, you should avoid contact with anyone who may be involved and contact law enforcement immediately.”