| The
number of marijuana plants seized in Washington
state has hit a record high this year at 135,323
plants. This is the 7th year in a row that record
numbers have been removed statewide. This crop
is conservatively valued at over $270,000,000
dollars. Last year’s success is a credit
to the hard work of the men and women of law enforcement
statewide. Last year, large quantities of marijuana
were grown on public lands across the state. Grows
are sometimes near 10,000 plants in size, covering
multiple acres of land. Often public lands are
devastated by the clearing of trees and brush,
terracing of the land, and diversion of natural
springs and creeks to water plants.
Additional large camps are often built utilizing
the timber in the area and large amounts of
trash are left behind each year.
The illegal hunting of wild game by those tending
marijuana grows has been an ongoing issue, as
well.
The propensity for the carrying of firearms
by many who grow marijuana poses a risk to all
who enjoy the public lands throughout Washington.
With 396 weapons having been seized last season,
it is feared that innocent hikers or hunters
will inadvertently discover a grow and be confronted
by armed criminals defending their operations.
Should a citizen discover a growing operation,
it is recommended citizens back out of the area
quietly and contact local authorities immediately.
Many of the large grows are very sophisticated
in nature and produce high quality marijuana
which ends up being sold in local communities.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels,
which are responsible for the potency and effects
of marijuana intoxication, are increasing.
Marijuana in the 1960s averaged between 1 and
3 percent THC content. THC levels in recent
years routinely range between 10 and 25 percent.
The WSP maintains a hotline where tips on marijuana
grows can be given to law enforcement. Citizens
can remain anonymous and be paid up to $5,000
depending on the number of plants discovered.
The Marijuana Hotline number is 1-800-388-GROW.
For more information about the Marijuana Hotline
program, please contact Lieutenant Richard A.
Wiley, Narcotics Section at (509) 353-2964 or
(360) 507-0453.
|
2006
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