On September 5, 2025, Ventura County law enforcement carried out a dramatic raid deep inside the Los Padres National Forest, uncovering one of the largest illegal marijuana grows in the region. Detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, backed by the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, executed a search warrant near Munson Creek, a remote part of the Los Padres National Forest that is often targeted by illegal cultivators.
The investigation revealed roughly 2,500 actively growing marijuana plants and a makeshift living quarters, complete with cooking supplies and a man-made reservoir. According to officials, the illegal operation in the Los Padres National Forest was linked to Mexico-based Cartel Jalisco New Generation, one of the most notorious cartels involved in cross-border drug trafficking.
Environmental Damage to Los Padres National Forest
Authorities emphasized that the operation did not just violate drug laws — it also harmed the fragile ecosystem of the Los Padres National Forest. Thousands of feet of plastic water hoses diverted water from a natural spring into the reservoir built to irrigate the plants. Runoff from the site, laced with banned pesticides and insecticides such as Metamidofos, seeped into smaller waterways before flowing into Sespe Creek, a critical habitat inside the Los Padres National Forest.
In total, detectives removed about 2,000 pounds of trash, pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment from the Los Padres National Forest, underscoring the environmental toll of illegal grows. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reported that the seized marijuana plants carried an estimated black-market value of $2 million, making this one of the most significant busts in the Los Padres National Forest in recent years.
Protecting Public Lands Like Los Padres National Forest
Illegal cultivation sites threaten wildlife, water quality, and public safety across public lands, and the Los Padres National Forest has become a frequent target due to its remote terrain. Ventura County authorities stressed the importance of continued patrols, community tips, and interagency cooperation to protect the Los Padres National Forest from further damage.
This case highlights the ongoing battle to safeguard California’s public lands. By removing toxic chemicals, restoring water sources, and dismantling illicit operations, officials hope to restore the Los Padres National Forest and deter future illegal activities in this treasured natural area.
