Thread: CA:Network of 12 major marijuana gardens discovered

Authorities display some of the marijuana and guns confiscated at the conclusion of an investigation into Arnoldo Herrera, accused of being responsible for 12 marijuana gardens on public lands. More than 101,000 marijuana plants, 15 weapons and $50,000 in cash were confiscated.

Merced resident held in pot case
Investigation uncovers a network of 12 major marijuana gardens.
By Denny Boyles / The Fresno Bee
10/18/07 00:00:00


A Merced man is in federal custody in Fresno on charges of mass marijuana cultivation on public lands.

Arnoldo Herrera, 44, faces life in prison and a $4 million fine if convicted on all charges. He is being held in Fresno County Jail without bail.

On Wednesday afternoon, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies released details of an investigation that led to the dismantling of the international marijuana cultivation ring they say was headed by Herrera.

"During our five-month investigation, we located 12 major marijuana gardens throughout the northern part of the state," said Eloy Romero, an acting special agent in charge with the California Department of Justice. "The street value of the plants in those gardens was more than $202 million."

Romero said the Herrera operation included more than 101,000 marijuana plants growing in Humboldt, Butte, Plumas and Santa Clara counties, as well as processing sites scattered throughout the state.

The operation used illegal immigrants as workers and as armed protectors of the marijuana gardens.

Members of the Herrera organization were arrested in seven California cities including Merced and Orosi. Along with the drugs, agents found numerous weapons, large amounts of cash and also seized a 2007 Cadillac Escalade.

The investigating agencies included sheriff's departments in Fresno, Merced and Tulare counties, the California Department of Justice, the U.S. Forest Service and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.

The investigation brings the total number of marijuana plants destroyed this year in California to more than 4.6 million. Gordon Taylor, an assistant special agent in charge with the DEA, said the state has seen a significant increase in the number of marijuana found in recent years.

"It's important to talk about not only the cultivation of this drug, but its growing use," Taylor said.

"I've had parents tell me it's not a big deal, that it's just marijuana. It is a big deal, however. The marijuana seized today is eight times more potent than in the 1970s. Emergency visits related to marijuana have also tripled."
The reporter can be reached at dboyles@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6659.

http://www.fresnobee.com/263/story/167446.html

Why would this surprise anyone?

Marijuana is illegal, yes; everyone knows that. But hey, since California won't enforce the laws regarding illegal aliens, what's another illegal act?

Remember, these illegals are working hard on those 12 farms, they just want to feed their families and live the American Dream! I can just see the defense now

When the kids were at home we used to love to go tromping all around the mountains. Well, you can't do that now. The illegal guardians will definitely shoot at you to scare you off.

No, this article doesn't surprise me either. Mexicans grow the gardens and just bring their illegals along with them to keep up the garden.

Maybe that is how they got into the landscaping business?

'Marijuana gardens' - having 10,000+ plants each?

Sounds more like plantations or industrial farming to me...