Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Matilija Canyon
Date & Time: August 20, 2008
Units Responsible: Sheriff’s Narcotics / Air Unit / U.S. Forest Service / D.E.A.

On Wednesday, August 20, 2008, Sheriff’s Narcotics Investigators, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Air Unit and the United States Forest Service, eradicated 5 large-scale marijuana cultivations in the Los Padres National Forest in Matilija Canyon, north of the city of Ojai. Approximately 11,000 marijuana plants were eradicated with a potential street value of over 22 million dollars. The plants from this grow were later destroyed.

The multiple gardens were discovered earlier this month during aerial reconnaissance and were located in multiple drainages and canyons along Matilija Canyon Road, from Highway 33 to the locked gate at the end of the road. Makeshift campsites used by the growers were found in each of the grow sites. Each campsite was littered with trash and debris, irrigation pipe, camping equipment, and chemicals used in fertilizing the plants. This type of activity found at these grow sites is known to cause significant damage to the environment, e.g., stream deviation, tree and brush cutting and removal, landscape terracing, etc.

It is believed those responsible for this grow are tied to a drug trafficking organization; however, no arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing.

The Sheriff’s Department would also like to remind the public of the potential danger to anyone who might accidentally come across one of these illegal marijuana grow sites. If anyone has information concerning a marijuana grow, please contact your local law enforcement agency or WE-TIP if you would like to remain anonymous.