WHITEWATER, CALIF.—On April 24, El Centro sector Border Patrol agents and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) collaborated in eradicating a massive marijuana growing operation.
The incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m., after a citizen's report of possible outdoor marijuana growing operation. Agents utilizing all-terrain vehicles met with a BLM ranger within the vicinity. After reviewing maps and discussing area information, agents began a systematic search of the area and discovered irrigation tubing leading out of the Whitewater River. Agents followed the tubing which lead to an outdoor growing operation of approximately 2,000 marijuana plants, ranging from seedlings to plants measuring two feet high. A search of the area located two abandoned campsites, tools, a two way radio, irrigation tubing, and fertilizer.
El Centro sector Chief Patrol Agent Carla L. Provost reminds us, "This incident is a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and threats within our communities. Working together and sharing information has removed this dangerous threat from any further harm to our community."
U.S. Border Patrol El Centro sector is working with the Drug Enforcement Administration in an ongoing investigation.
The El Centro Sector's Community Awareness Campaign is a simple and effective program to raise public awareness on the indicators of crime and other threats. We encourage public and private sector employees to remain vigilant and play a key role in keeping our country safe. Please report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.