Narcotics Detectives Turn to Public

In hopes of cracking down on illegal outdoor marijuana growers in Santa Barbara County, Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives are turning to the public for assistance. The Narcotics Division has received a federal grant to help it fund the production and distribution of flyers encouraging the public to help law enforcement officers identify and report nonmedical marijuana producers.

Last year alone, the Sheriff’s Office destroyed more than 325,000 marijuana plants with a street value of more than $900,000,000, said spokesperson Drew Sugars.

The flyers explain what signs to look for when identifying someone who may be using forest or private land to cultivate marijuana. It is the hope of the detectives that by creating the flyers, they will not only educate people about illegal marijuana operations but also minimize the danger to citizens and reduce environmental damage that can be attributed to unlawful marijuana growth.

Citizens with information regarding illegal outdoor marijuana grows are urged to contact Sheriff’s Narcotics detectives at 681-4175, by fax at 681-4316, or by email at weedinfo@sbsheriff.org.