Processed Marijuana and Meth Seized on NFS Lands

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM
DRUG ENFORCEMENT REPORT
CY 2005

TABLE of CONTENTS
Executive Summary………………………………………...…............................. 6
National Drug Enforcement Statistics……………...…………….....................10
Military Support to Counter Drug Operations……...........……................… 32
Regional Drug Enforcement Statistics…………………………...…….…….. 38
Drug Enforcement Program Contacts…………………………………....……. 44
Prepared by the
USDA-Forest Service Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations Counterdrug Program
El Paso Intelligence Center - El Paso, Texas

FOREST SERVICE
COUNTERDRUG MISSION
“The USDA-Forest Service will provide for
the safe use of all National Forest System l<strong>and</strong>s
<strong>and</strong> the protection of its natural resources
from the production, trafficking, <strong>and</strong>
possession of illegal drugs.”
3
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

NATIONAL FOREST
SYSTEM LANDS (NFS)
- More than 193 million acres
- 155 National Forests
- 20 National Grassl<strong>and</strong>s
- 383,000 miles of road
- 500 million visits per year
- Multiple use concept
- 50% of western water supply
- 550 law enforcement officers <strong>and</strong>
Special agents
- 35,000 employees nationwide
- 9% of CONUS
-9 Regions
4
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The production <strong>and</strong> manufacture of illegal drugs on National Forest System (NFS) l<strong>and</strong>s for the year 2005 reached unprecedented
levels over any prior year on record. This year marked the first t time in history that seizures of domestically produced marijuana
exceeded one million plants nationally. Seizures for 2005 were up a staggering 49% to a total of 1,112,002 plants from the previous
year total of 744,276 plants. In the state of California alone, the seizure of 802,407 plants on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s eclipsed all previous s NFS
seizures nationwide. Seizures on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s in Arizona exceeded 115,000 plants for the first time, ranking the state third among the
top ten for seizures, closely following California <strong>and</strong> Kentucky as the states who consistently rank first <strong>and</strong> second with seizure
levels in excess of 100,000 plants.
Most of this increase can be attributed to the proliferation of foreign Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO’s), mostly Mexican in
origin, who now operate throughout the United States. The Nation’s s public l<strong>and</strong>s have become a haven for this illegal activity due to
the relatively few law enforcement personnel <strong>and</strong> vast <strong>and</strong> often remote tracts of sparsely or uninhabited l<strong>and</strong>s. Frequently using
illegal aliens residing in the United States, or recently smuggled across the border, these Mexican criminal groups establish,
maintain <strong>and</strong> protect an increasing number of these cl<strong>and</strong>estine operations. o
Cartel growers have recognized the advantages of conducting business within the borders of the United States, including a reduction
in the chance of seizure of drugs previously transported across the border, ready <strong>and</strong> convenient access to local drug markets, <strong>and</strong> the
tremendous profitability of higher grade domestically grown marijuana. Considering a typical outdoor grown crop of 5000 plants,
with a street price averaging $4000 per pound for sinsemilla, the traffickers can return approximately $20 million in a single growing
cycle.
While any illicit drug operation has the potential to affect the health <strong>and</strong> safety of persons <strong>and</strong> the environment, these large scale
commercial operations pose a significant <strong>and</strong> elevated threat to local residents, forest visitors, agency personnel, the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong>
associated natural resources. <strong>and</strong> most importantly, national security. Encounters with armed individuals are common <strong>and</strong> routinely
associated with DTO controlled operations. DTO’s have been linked to terrorist organizations <strong>and</strong> pose a substantial <strong>and</strong> increasing
threat to national security.
5
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Although confined to a much smaller percentage of public l<strong>and</strong>s, cross-border smuggling activities continue to exhaust the limited
law enforcement resources of l<strong>and</strong> management agencies. As Department of Homel<strong>and</strong> Security agencies tighten the control of
ports-of
of-entry <strong>and</strong> borderl<strong>and</strong>s adjacent to metropolitan areas, smuggling activities are concentrated more <strong>and</strong> more on rural, less
accessible public l<strong>and</strong>s as the “path of least resistance”.
Seizures of processed marijuana within the NFS are up, much like domestically produced marijuana, a dramatic 49% to 121,821
pounds. With only 60 miles of NFS l<strong>and</strong>s contiguous to the southwest border <strong>and</strong> all within the Coronado National Forest, 94% of
the processed marijuana or 115,091 pounds of the total system-wide seizures occurred there. An increase in activity is also noted
along the approximately 700 miles of northern border with Canada, , although actual seizures are limited. Light helicopter <strong>and</strong> fixed
wing aircraft are now in routine use for the illegal transport of o “BC Bud” marijuana <strong>and</strong> other drugs <strong>and</strong> precursor chemicals from
Canada into the United States. The ruggedness <strong>and</strong> remoteness of most of these l<strong>and</strong>s coupled with extremely limited law
enforcement <strong>and</strong> investigative resources of all l<strong>and</strong> management <strong>and</strong> a
partnering federal, state <strong>and</strong> local agencies creates an
environment with reduced detection <strong>and</strong> even greater potential for r limited interdiction of these cross-border smuggling activities.
To combat these significant increases in illegal activities, the Forest Service, is aggressively partnering with federal, state <strong>and</strong> local
agencies with the common goal to reduce or eliminate drug activity ty on public l<strong>and</strong>s. Several outst<strong>and</strong>ing examples of these efforts
are found with aggressive Forest Service Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations (LEI) participation in interagency task forces. Within
in
the states of Kentucky <strong>and</strong> Tennessee, LEI staff make a significant nt contribution to the management, operation <strong>and</strong> success of the
Appalachia HIDTA. In California, under the leadership of the US Attorney, Eastern District of California, Forest Service LEI
participates within the Central Valley HIDTA in a district-wide campaign, covering much of the state, to aggressively pursue e <strong>and</strong>
bring to justice participants in illegal DTO’s. Along the northern border, the elevation of participation by LEI agents <strong>and</strong> officers in
multiple task forces has helped to better identify the cross-border activity <strong>and</strong> further northern border security with our partners, both
Canadian <strong>and</strong> American. On the southwest border, the continuing participation by LEI in Arizona HIDTA initiatives routinely
results in significant seizures of drugs flowing from Mexico into o the United States.
6
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under its national marijuana initiatives has strengthened efforts to assist
public l<strong>and</strong>s agencies by identifying <strong>and</strong> targeting seven states (known as the M7) for enhanced support by providing special
reimbursements to the Forest Service, other l<strong>and</strong> management agencies <strong>and</strong> their state <strong>and</strong> local partners to focus on the elevated
drug enforcement issues surrounding the production <strong>and</strong> trafficking of marijuana. This increase in focus by ONDCP acknowledges
the serious situation faced by public l<strong>and</strong> managers <strong>and</strong> provides assistance in tackling the burgeoning illegal drug problem on public p
l<strong>and</strong>s.
In continuing partnership with Department of Defense (DoD) agencies, the Forest Service utilizes special equipment, skills <strong>and</strong>
personnel through its relationships <strong>and</strong> Memor<strong>and</strong>ums of Underst<strong>and</strong>ing ding with the National Guard, active <strong>and</strong> reserve forces through
Joint Task Force North, <strong>and</strong> civilian volunteers within the Civil Air Patrol. While overall military support has seen a significant
reduction due to changes in DoD policy <strong>and</strong> worldwide commitments, , these resources remain an important component in
accomplishing the counterdrug mission of l<strong>and</strong> management agencies.
The endeavor of eliminating illegal drug related activity on our treasured National Forests is a formidable one. Success is measured
by the unyielding quest to achieve our mission: “providing for the safe use of all National Forest System l<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> a
the protection of
its natural resources from the production, trafficking, <strong>and</strong> possession of illegal drugs”. . This will only be accomplished in an
environment of enhanced cooperation, mutual support, innovation <strong>and</strong> relentless pursuit of justice. The USDA Forest Service is
committed to achieve this end state on our treasured National Forests jointly with our many federal, state <strong>and</strong> local partners.
7
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

NFS NATIONAL
DRUG ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS
CY 2005
8

ERADICATED MARIJUANA
on NFS LANDS
1,200,000
1,112,002
1,000,000
800,000
733,427 719,985 597,797
729,481
744,276
600,000
400,000
200,000
0
490,304
337,513
120,622 79,525 101,669
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
*Harvested by
Growers was added
for 2003 <strong>and</strong> is not
included as part of
the marijuana
seizure totals.
<strong>Marijuana</strong> Plants <strong>Seized</strong> by Law Enforcement
Harvested by Growers
9
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

TOP TEN STATES for
ERADICATION <strong>and</strong> KNOWN
HARVESTING on NFS LANDS
5
7
9
1 8
3
CY 2005
10
4
6
2
State
<strong>Marijuana</strong> Plants
1. California 802,407
2. Kentucky 121,809
3. Arizona 115,215
4. Tennessee 23,243
5. Washington 22,225
6. Alabama 11,917
7. Oregon 5,810
8. Utah 4,500
9. Idaho 1,144
10. Arkansas 677
CY 2004
10
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

TOP TEN NATIONAL
FORESTS for ERADICATION of
MARIJUANA on NFS LANDS
National Forest
1. Shasta-Trinity
2. Sequoia
3. Mendocino
4. Daniel Boone
5. Tonto
6. San Bernardino
7. Sierra
8. Klamath
9. Angeles
10. Los Padres
Total <strong>Marijuana</strong>
State Plants Eradicated
California 211,738
California 188,606
California 124,792
Kentucky 121,809
Arizona 95,263
California 43,581
California 42,127
California 38,404
California 34,004
California 30,648
11
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

METHAMPHETAMINE LABS <strong>and</strong>
DUMP SITES on NFS LANDS
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Labs 30 37 214 102 187 56 75 39
Dump Sites 56 70 274 242 120 70 116 91
12
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

PROCESSED MARIJUANA <strong>and</strong>
METH SEIZED on NFS LANDS
180,000
160,000
168,548
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
92,400
59,733
71,766
81,954
121,821
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
<strong>Processed</strong> <strong>Marijuana</strong> <strong>Seized</strong> (lbs)
160
140
120
100
80
93
154
114
113
60
40
18
22
19
20
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
<strong>Meth</strong>amphetamine <strong>Seized</strong> (lbs)
13
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

ARRESTS MADE <strong>and</strong>
WEAPONS SEIZED for DRUG
RELATED CRIMES on NFS LANDS
4,500
4,000
3,482
4,070
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
2,845
2,793
2,435
600
500
1,500
400
1,000
500
0
382 471 350
493
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 *2002 *2003 *2004 *2005
Total Drug Related Arrests
* Excludes certain petty
offense drug violations
included prior to CY2002
in overall totals
300
200
100
0
Firearms <strong>Seized</strong> 532 187 294 346 174 266
Other Weapons
<strong>Seized</strong>
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
45 15 21 55 43 35
Booby Traps <strong>Seized</strong> 18 8 3 6 4 3
14
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

TIME SPENT ON COUNTERDRUG
ACTIVITIES
R8
15.59%
R3
9.5%
R5
11.66%
SERVICE-WIDE
8.41%
R1
2.93%
R2
1.56%
R4
1.68%
R6
3.69%
R9
5.56%
R10
2.29%
REGION 1
REGION 2
REGION 3
REGION 4
REGION 5
REGION 6
REGION 8
REGION 9
REGION 10
SERVICE-WIDE
15
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

DRUG TRAFFICKING
ORGANIZATIONS on
NATIONAL FOREST LANDS
Forests with activity associated with known
Mexico-based/Drug Trafficking Organizations
denoted in Red
Percentage tended by foreign nationals
94.60%
98.17%
76.42%
4.76%
5.91%
Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 8
Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 8
16
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

CURRENT NFS COUNTERDRUG
INITIATIVES, PROGRAMS
<strong>and</strong> HIDTA INVOLVEMENT
Project North Star
Northern Border Drug Task Force
National Guard
GIS Applications
Milwaukee
HIDTA
C.A.M.P
ONDCP National
<strong>Marijuana</strong> Initiatives
Appalachia
HIDTA
Imperial Valley
Drug Coalition
Arizona HIDTA
COBIJA
FS Counterdrug
Program Coordinator
JTFN/ EPIC Liaison
El Paso, TX
Midwest HIDTA
South Central Task Force
National program, HIDTA <strong>and</strong> operational support coordination coupled with specific
localized initiatives <strong>and</strong> programs are designed to bolster FS regional counter drug
operations by providing <strong>and</strong> coordinating supplemental funding, personnel <strong>and</strong> military
support to combat illegal drugs throughout the National Forest System.
17 USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 1
Flathead National Forest - In mid-November, two Flathead valley residents were arrested by Law Enforcement Officers (LEO’s)
in a remote section of the Tally Lake Ranger District for possession of approximately two pounds of marijuana with intent to
distribute. Officers also seized numerous items including marijuana paraphernalia <strong>and</strong> a digital scale.
Kootenai National Forest - An LEO assisted in the arrest of a Canadian citizen involved in allegedly smuggling 113 pounds of
BC-bud marijuana <strong>and</strong> approximately 2000 ecstasy tablets into the U.S. across the international border in the Eureka, MT area.
The transfer of drugs occurred on National Forest System (NFS) l<strong>and</strong>s administered by the Rexford Ranger District. The arrest
was the result of the cooperative efforts between LEI, USBP, ICE <strong>and</strong> Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. The value of the
seized drugs is estimated at $600,000.
Two men who were found guilty in U.S. District Court earlier this year for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana in various
locations on the Fortine Ranger District were sentenced last week. One man was sentenced to serve seven months imprisonment,
six months home confinement <strong>and</strong> three years supervised release. The second man was sentenced to serve seven months
imprisonment, seven months home confinement <strong>and</strong> three years supervised release. Both were also sentenced to the st<strong>and</strong>ard
conditions of federal probation. The case was investigated by the NW Montana LEI zone <strong>and</strong> the Lincoln County Sheriff’s
Department.
Idaho Panh<strong>and</strong>le National Forest - On 3/8, an LEO <strong>and</strong> K-9 were requested by the Idaho State Police Narcotics Unit to search a
vehicle suspected to be involved in international drug smuggling. The search led to the discovery of a small amount of marijuana
<strong>and</strong> a backpack with maps of national forests <strong>and</strong> Canadian border areas, <strong>and</strong> the seizure of $17,000 in cash.
18
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 2
Bighorn National Forest - On 10/19, an LEO worked with DCI <strong>and</strong> DEA after they arrested two suspects who were stashing
methamphetamine on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> using the forest as headquarters for a distribution/delivery operation in the nearby communities. One
suspect told the DEA Agent that he did not have a home <strong>and</strong> had been living <strong>and</strong> camping on the forest for several months.
Pike National Forest - On 8/22, an LEO <strong>and</strong> K-9 responded with Douglas County Sheriff’s Department Deputies to contact a group
shooting in a closed area on the Pikes Peak Ranger District. Forest Protection Officers (FPO’s) had observed some of the group earlier in
the day with a keg of beer <strong>and</strong> had heard several different weapons being discharged. Eight people were contacted <strong>and</strong> found to be in
possession of five firearms. One person was in possession of a significant amount of marijuana he claimed was for personal use but
appeared to be packaged for distribution. The LEO issued violation notices for illegal shooting, operating a vehicle where prohibited <strong>and</strong>
possession of marijuana.
Gr<strong>and</strong> Mesa, Uncompahgre, <strong>and</strong> Gunnison National Forests - An LEO <strong>and</strong> K-9 were requested to assist a Colorado State Patrol Officer on
a traffic stop. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of marijuana, scales (used for distribution), <strong>and</strong> methamphetamine
paraphernalia. The driver of the vehicle was arrested.
A Forest Service contract employee was recently found guilty of possession of marijuana while on duty on the Gr<strong>and</strong> Mesa National
Forest. The charges were a result of an investigation <strong>and</strong> subsequent searches conducted by an LEO <strong>and</strong> K-9. The employee admitted to
operating Forest Service equipment while under the influence of the illegal drug. The employee was terminated from his contract
position.
White River National Forest - On 3/29, a known squatter from the Silverthorne, CO area, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of
marijuana. In a plea agreement, charges of illegally occupying NFS l<strong>and</strong>s were dropped in exchange for a fine of $200, forfeiture of
dangerous weapons seized, <strong>and</strong> a 60 day jail sentence suspended on the conditions that Werner be banned from all use of the Forest for a
period of two years.
19
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 3
Coconino National Forest - On 3/12, a Special Agent (SA) <strong>and</strong> Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department Deputies responded to a remote
location on the Red Rock Ranger District to investigate a report of a large marijuana grow <strong>and</strong> Archeological Resource Protection Act
(ARPA) violations. The sites were located, but determined to be inactive. The SA determined the marijuana grow site was associated
with a Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization <strong>and</strong> had contained approximately 1,000 plants. It was estimated the site had been
harvested in 2004. In close proximity to the marijuana garden was a large Indian ruin <strong>and</strong> burial grounds. The burial grounds had been
thoroughly excavated <strong>and</strong> human remains were visible. A search of a camp associated with the marijuana garden resulted in the location
of numerous artifacts. It is suspected that the people who were tending to the marijuana garden were responsible for the ARPA violations.
On 4/4, an LEI investigation into ARPA violations on the Coconino <strong>and</strong> Prescott National Forests led to a series of search warrants that
were executed in Rimrock, AZ. As a result, several hundred artifacts, stolen government <strong>and</strong> private property including firearms <strong>and</strong> an
ATV, narcotics, <strong>and</strong> drug paraphernalia were seized. Four suspects were arrested <strong>and</strong> charged with state violations of theft of artifacts,
possession of stolen property, felon in possession of firearms, possession of methamphetamine <strong>and</strong> marijuana, <strong>and</strong> possession of a stolen
firearm. The residence bordered an elementary school <strong>and</strong> the suspects were also charged with possession of narcotics in a school zone.
One of the suspects faces additional jail time for violation of his probation. This case was a joint investigation between LEI <strong>and</strong> the
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Department.
Coronado National Forest - On 4/20, during the investigation for the origin <strong>and</strong> cause of the 150-acre Antonio Fire in the Patagonia
Mountains, 20 improvised backpacks containing suspected marijuana were discovered. The backpacks were in various stages of being
consumed by the wildl<strong>and</strong> fire. Each backpack weighed approximately 45 pounds. Four backpacks were recovered <strong>and</strong> seized as
evidence. The other 16 backpacks, estimated to contain 600 pounds of marijuana, were too hot to recover <strong>and</strong> were allowed to burn to
fully consume the suspected marijuana. The remaining four packs (approximately 172 pounds) were turned over to the DEA in Nogales,
AZ. The evidence in the area of origin of the Antonio Fire indicates that it was a human-caused fire, <strong>and</strong> most likely associated with the
suspects smuggling the narcotics.
On 12/30, an FS permittee on the Silver City Ranger District was checking the allotment near Bear Mountain when he observed people in
the area. He apparently contacted them during a drug deal <strong>and</strong> was murdered. The incident received wide attention in the media <strong>and</strong>
concern in the community regarding safety on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s.
20
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 3
Tonto National Forest - On 4/21, LEO’s assisted the Gila County Narcotics Task Force (GCNTF) with the eradication of a marijuana
garden on the Globe Ranger District. GCNTF received information that a rancher rode his horse into the garden on 4/20 <strong>and</strong> saw a man
above the garden area. When officers entered the garden, they found over 6,400 young plants, a sophisticated watering system <strong>and</strong>
evidence of at least three growers in the camp.
LEO’s <strong>and</strong> SA’s from Arizona <strong>and</strong> New Mexico completed a joint operation with the Gila County Narcotics Task Force, DEA <strong>and</strong>
Arizona Department of Public Safety that resulted in the eradication of over 100,000 marijuana plants, the arrest of 11 suspects <strong>and</strong> the
seizure of several firearms from a series of marijuana gardens on the Tonto <strong>and</strong> Coconino National Forests. This operation involved
extensive surveillance <strong>and</strong> close cooperation of all agencies involved as well as the U.S. Attorney's office in the District of AZ. The last
area eradicated contained an extensive system of gardens <strong>and</strong> camps within the wilderness area <strong>and</strong> required the use of over 100 officers
during the take down <strong>and</strong> subsequent eradication, as well as five helicopters <strong>and</strong> one fixed wing aircraft from the DEA <strong>and</strong> Arizona
Department of Public Safety. This operation gained national media interest.
REGION 4
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest - On 4/24, an LEO came upon a man <strong>and</strong> woman in a vehicle parked in an isolated area. The LEO
contacted the man who stated they were hunting arrowheads. The LEO obtained consent to search the vehicle <strong>and</strong> located a spoon
containing a black tar substance <strong>and</strong> two marijuana cigarettes, one partially smoked in the ashtray. The LEO identified fresh needle marks
on the two people indicating they had just shot up. The LEO took both into custody <strong>and</strong> contacted the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department.
Once deputies arrived, a search of the vehicle uncovered marijuana, syringes <strong>and</strong> several balloons around the area of the vehicle, which
field tested positive for heroin. The woman had an outst<strong>and</strong>ing warrant out of Bishop, CA for a parole violation. Both people were
transported to jail.
21
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 5
Angeles National Forest - On 10/17, LEO’s began entry into a marijuana plantation <strong>and</strong> saw two suspects approaching them. The LEO’s
ordered the suspects to surrender. One suspect fled, while the other suspect initially complied <strong>and</strong> surrendered. The suspect then kicked
at a K-9 officer, <strong>and</strong> K-9 Chiwa bit the suspect. At the same time, the rest of the team moved towards the garden <strong>and</strong> two shots were fired
in close proximity to the officers. As the officers took cover, the shooting suspect fled <strong>and</strong> escaped. A campsite in the immediate area
contained processed marijuana, ammunition for three different calibers of weapons, <strong>and</strong> two loaded shotguns – one with an expended
shell in the chamber. The arrested suspect was provided medical care by EMS personnel for the K-9 bite <strong>and</strong> then transported to jail.
Searches of the area revealed additional evidence including cultivation sites, harvested marijuana, <strong>and</strong> processing structures. One LEO
suffered a severe ankle injury during the operation. Over 78 kilos of processed marijuana was seized.
Eldorado National Forest - The Patrol Captain <strong>and</strong> an LEO recently assisted the El Dorado County Sheriff SWAT <strong>and</strong> Narcotics unit
with a marijuana raid on the Forest. A total of 3,916 marijuana plants were removed from 6 sites <strong>and</strong> 2 suspects (one a juvenile) were
arrested. Two other suspects fled the area. One rifle was recovered from the camp. Forest Service Fire personnel assisted with the
response <strong>and</strong> eradication.
Inyo National Forest - On 7/6, a 14-person team comprised of Inyo <strong>and</strong> Mono County Sheriff’s Departments, Bishop Police Department,
California Highway Patrol, Bureau of L<strong>and</strong> Management (BLM) <strong>and</strong> LEI personnel raided a marijuana garden at 0600. The garden was
located on the border of BLM <strong>and</strong> NFS l<strong>and</strong>s in Inyo <strong>and</strong> Mono Counties. The team moved in on the garden <strong>and</strong> arrested three men
armed with a sawed-off double barrel shot gun, a sawed-off pump shot gun, <strong>and</strong> a .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol. After the area was
secured, the team eradicated more than 6,000 marijuana plants. Inyo County Sheriff’s Department <strong>and</strong> BLM personnel will prosecute the
case.
Los Padres National Forest - On 8/18, Monterey County Sheriff’s Department Deputies <strong>and</strong> members of the California task force
Campaign Against <strong>Marijuana</strong> Planting (CAMP) raided two large marijuana cultivation sites on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s east of Arroyo Seco. Over
7,500 plants were removed <strong>and</strong> a large camp was located. Evidence found at the camp indicated foreign nationals were tending the site.
22
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 5
Los Padres National Forest - On 8/25, the Patrol Captain, LEO’s <strong>and</strong> Monterey County Sheriff’s Department Deputies raided a
marijuana cultivation site on the south coast of Big Sur. A total of 1,915 marijuana plants were removed <strong>and</strong> a camp was located.
Evidence found at the camp indicated foreign nationals were tending the site.
San Bernardino National Forest -On 4/27, a Forest Service contract biologist who was conducting surveys on the San Jacinto Ranger
District walked into a marijuana garden in Indian Creek. The biologist hid behind the brush from several marijuana growers for
approximately an hour <strong>and</strong> a half. After the growers left the immediate area, the biologist called the SD on his cell phone <strong>and</strong> gave them
his location. While the Sheriff’s Department helicopter attempted to locate the area, the biologist hiked out <strong>and</strong> walked into another
marijuana garden as he left the area, but no incident occurred. On 5/18, LEI <strong>and</strong> Riverside County Sheriff’s Department personnel
eradicated 6,600 plants at the site.
Sequoia National Forest - On 5/23, the “Moon Tribe” obtained a Forest Service special use permit <strong>and</strong> held a rave party near the town of
Lake Isabella. Kern County Sheriff’s Department received 17 loud music complaints between 3 <strong>and</strong> 5.a.m. An LEO responded to the
area the next morning <strong>and</strong> found the party was still going. After observing numerous crimes in progress, the LEO received authorization
from the District Ranger to shut the party down <strong>and</strong> returned with Deputies <strong>and</strong> a Forest Service special use coordinator to shut down the
event. The LEO detained four people who were extremely intoxicated on ecstasy <strong>and</strong> other hallucinogens, but per a request from the
Sheriff’s Department comm<strong>and</strong>er they were released so as not to incite violence among the group.
On 8/19, an LEO assisted Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, CAMP <strong>and</strong> BLM personnel with the raid of a large marijuana garden in
the Chimney Creek Wilderness Area. One suspect was arrested in the garden <strong>and</strong> 15,491 plants were eradicated. The growers had
already harvested approximately 3,000 8-12 foot tall plants from the site. Forest Service fire personnel assisted with the removal <strong>and</strong>
disposal of the five stake-side loads of marijuana.
On 8/11, California Department of Justice, Fresno Sheriff’s Department, LEI <strong>and</strong> other Forest Service personnel eradicated two large
marijuana plantations. Approximately 6,069 plants were eradicated from the two sites. No suspects were arrested.
23 USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 5
Sequoia National Forest- On 8/30, an LEO <strong>and</strong> Kern County Sheriff’s Department SWAT <strong>and</strong> narcotics personnel raided a complex of
three drug trafficking organization (DTO) marijuana gardens in the Kiavah Wilderness Area on the Cannell Meadow Ranger District. At
one point during the raid, the LEO <strong>and</strong> a SWAT Deputy encountered a grower carrying a scoped mini-14 assault rifle with a 30-round
magazine attached. The officers were caught in the open with no hard cover. A helicopter flew overhead, causing the suspect to throw
down his rifle <strong>and</strong> flee. The suspect was not located. A total of 7,726 plants were eradicated from the gardens.
Sierra National Forest - On 7/25, LEI, Madera County Sheriff’s Department, SWAT, <strong>and</strong> CAMP personnel raided three large marijuana
cultivation sites. Over 11,000 high grade marijuana plants were eradicated, <strong>and</strong> several suspects were seen fleeing the area, but were not
apprehended. All three sites were live-in gardens suspected as being controlled by a large drug trafficking organization. The plants
eradicated were fully grown <strong>and</strong> some harvesting had already begun.
On 8/17, LEI, Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department, NPS <strong>and</strong> CAMP personnel raided a large marijuana garden. An SKS rifle with a
fully loaded 30-round magazine <strong>and</strong> a .22 bolt action long rifle were located in the suspect’s camp along with camouflage clothing.
Approximately 5,086 marijuana plants were eradicated. No suspects were located. The garden is believed to be associated with a foreign
national drug trafficking organization.
On 8/22, LEO’s assisted California Department of Justice <strong>and</strong> Fresno Sheriff’s Department with marijuana eradication in the Black Rock
Area. The five gardens were identified as foreign national gardens <strong>and</strong> approximately 300 marijuana plants were eradicated.
On 9/15, LEI, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, <strong>and</strong> CAMP officers raided two large marijuana gardens on the High Sierra Ranger
District. Officers eradicated 1,859 plants in the first site <strong>and</strong> located a large live-in campsite. The second site was approximately one half
mile to the west <strong>and</strong> 344 plants were eradicated. The two sites are believed to be linked to six other sites that are currently under
investigation by the HIDTA Task Force in Fresno.
Stanislaus National Forest - On 8/8, a multi-agency raid was conducted on a marijuana garden in the Bull Meadow Creek area. The
terrain was steep <strong>and</strong> short haul had to be utilized to extract <strong>and</strong> move teams in the grow site. A total of 5,400 plants were removed.
Nursery tags were found indicating the type of marijuana plants used. The suspects fled on foot.
24
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 6
Deschutes National Forest – An FPO was on patrol in the China Hat road area when she observed a large number of plastic Mountain
Dew bottles near a dirt turnout. The FPO contacted an LEO who responded <strong>and</strong> secured the area. A hazmat removal contractor was
called in to test the bottles containing unknown liquids. It took nearly four hours to sort, test, <strong>and</strong> package the 112 bottles (mostly 2 litre
size) containing about 45 gallons of liquid. The liquids were tested <strong>and</strong> determined to be the by-products of a methamphetamine lab. The
local drug enforcement team was notified of the site.
During a recent holiday weekend, a major interagency operation was undertaken on the Sisters Ranger District to address an annual party
event involving 1,000+ people. The event has grown significantly in recent years with increasing public safety concerns involving drugs
<strong>and</strong> alcohol, firearms, fire <strong>and</strong> fireworks violations, reckless driving, DUII, <strong>and</strong> resource related damage including significant sanitation
issues. In addition to LEO’s <strong>and</strong> the Patrol Captain, 30+ officers from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department <strong>and</strong> the Oregon State
Patrol (OSP) participated, including an OSP Mobile Response Team. A total of 284 citations, 195 warnings, 24 vehicle impounds, 21
arrests <strong>and</strong> 11 DUII arrests were made. A significant percentage of these statistics occurred on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s. During an evening patrol at
the “Fly Creek Pit” within the event, a group of people jumped onto <strong>and</strong> tried to overturn the OSP MRT vehicle as other people threw
bottles at the rig. MRT members from inside the vehicle jumped out <strong>and</strong> arrested one person before they quickly exited the camp.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - The Forest saw an increase in marijuana cultivation activity in 2005. Several large gardens
with indicators of involvement of drug trafficking organizations were discovered on the Wenatchee River, Entiat, Chelan <strong>and</strong> <strong>Meth</strong>ow
Valley Ranger Districts. Total seizure count of plants exceeded 18,000. LEI personnel are working with the local county Sheriff’s
Departments, DEA, Washington State Police <strong>and</strong> National Guard on coordination strategies for future operations.
Umatilla National Forest - LEI <strong>and</strong> District fire personnel assisted the local interagency drug task force in eradicating a 4,000-plant
marijuana garden on the North Fork John Day Ranger District. The garden was initially reported by hunters who said the growers had
fired shots to scare them away. Law enforcement personnel were unable to locate the suspects, who apparently fled after their initial
contact with the hunters. Several items of evidence were processed at the scene. The investigation is continuing.
25
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 8
Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) – Kentucky- In late December 2004, an SA following up on a past
methamphetamine investigation on the Somerset Ranger District, Daniel Boone National Forest, learned of a state arrest of a man believed
to be involved in the earlier investigation. On 2/18, the SA <strong>and</strong> an Agent with the Lake Cumberl<strong>and</strong> Area Drug Task Force contacted the
man regarding his recent arrest on methamphetamine trafficking charges <strong>and</strong> being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon encountering
the man, they observed indicators that the man was armed. They restrained the man <strong>and</strong> found a loaded 9 mm h<strong>and</strong>gun concealed on his
person. A vehicle search uncovered items consistent with drug trafficking <strong>and</strong> nearly 3.0 ounces of crystal methamphetamine. After
being informed of the additional federal charges he faced, the man provided information on his source of supply. He admitted that a week
before he had flown to Las Vegas <strong>and</strong> picked up two pounds of crystal methamphetamine <strong>and</strong> that while his source of supply was in Las
Vegas, with the methamphetamine originating in Mexico. A local DEA Agent was contacted <strong>and</strong> over the next couple of days the man
placed several recorded phone calls to his source in Nevada. The calls resulted in the Las Vegas source agreeing to deliver four pounds of
crystal methamphetamine to the Nashville, TN airport. On 2/23, DEA <strong>and</strong> LEI SA’s met the source of supply at the Nashville airport,
after the person disembarked from a direct flight from Las Vegas. A consent search of their baggage revealed four bottles of Mexican
tequila. The source later admitted that the tequila was in fact liquid methamphetamine <strong>and</strong> that a short cooking process would transform
the liquid back into methamphetamine, yielding approximately four pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
On 3/7, three people appeared in U.S. District Court in London, KY following their arrest on federal indictments for trafficking in over
four pounds of methamphetamine. The indictments resulted from an investigation conducted by the Forest Service-led Two Rivers Drug
Task Force on the London <strong>and</strong> Redbird Ranger Districts, Daniel Boone National Forests. As a result of the investigation, over $250,000
in assets <strong>and</strong> in excess of one pound of crystal methamphetamine was seized. The investigation, using information provided by the Two
Rivers Task Force, resulted in a local Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) being dismantled <strong>and</strong> a national DTO being disrupted, with
search warrants being executed by the DEA in several states.
A man was found guilty by a jury after a trial on charges of cultivating over 100 marijuana plants on the Redbird Ranger District. On
3/31, the man appeared in U.S. District Court in London, KY <strong>and</strong> was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison to be followed by four years
supervised release, <strong>and</strong> pay a $744 fine.
26
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 8
Appalachia HIDTA -Tennessee - An SA, the Southeast Tennessee <strong>Meth</strong>amphetamine Task Force <strong>and</strong> Carter <strong>and</strong> Sullivan County
Sheriff’s Department deputies conducted clean-up <strong>and</strong> disposal of approximately 10 kilograms of hazardous waste from a
methamphetamine dumpsite located on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s. The dumpsite was located adjacent to an undeveloped campsite on a lake on the
Watauga Ranger District, Cherokee national Forest. Hazmat costs, estimated at $1,500, were paid for by federal grants from the COPS
(Community Oriented Policing Services). This is the fifth methamphetamine lab site located on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s on the District in 2005.
HIDTA <strong>and</strong> Tennessee Wildlife <strong>and</strong> Resources Agency officers arrested one person for cultivating marijuana inside the proclamation
boundary of the Cherokee National Forest. Agents seized 338 live marijuana plants <strong>and</strong> additional evidence from two plots. The
defendant, who had two prior convictions for manufacturing marijuana, was ordered held without bond pending trial in the Eastern
District of Tennessee.
Cherokee National Forest- On 3/31, LEI personnel <strong>and</strong> a Carter County Sheriff’s Department Deputy stopped a vehicle on the
Nolichucky/Unaka Ranger District for a traffic violation on an NFS road. A consensual search of the vehicle revealed a vacuum-packed
bag under the driver’s seat containing a pound of marijuana. The driver of the vehicle, a 69 year-old man, gave a signed confession to the
purchase of the marijuana for resale, as well as a signed consent to search his residence. Drug paraphernalia, scales, baggies, blasting
caps, cash, moonshine, <strong>and</strong> a large cache of firearms were found during a search of the residence. An explosives ordinance team
detonated <strong>and</strong> destroyed the blasting caps, which had become unstable because of their age. The vehicle used in the transport ofthe
marijuana was seized. The driver of the vehicle was arrested <strong>and</strong> taken before a Federal Magistrate for initial appearance.
On 6/27, FS employees were flagging timber on the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District when they located a marijuana garden. They
immediately notified LEI. On 6/28, LEI personnel found a resident campsite at the garden <strong>and</strong> apprehended two men there on 7/1. The
garden contained over 7,500 marijuana plants.
On 8/31, LEI, Tennessee Southeast Drug Task Force Team, Polk County, TN Sheriff’s Department, <strong>and</strong> Cherokee County, NC Sheriff’s
department personnel served search warrants on two residences <strong>and</strong> eradicated 14,882 marijuana plants in TN <strong>and</strong> 5,241 plants in NC.
The plants were located in 18 different plots on the TN/NC line within the Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District <strong>and</strong> Tusquitee Ranger District
proclamation boundaries. U.S. Attorney’s Offices from both states are working with the SA’s on the case.
27
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 8
Daniel Boone National Forest - A six-month-long LEI investigation resulted in the arrest of four men, with several other arrests
expected. The investigation initiated on the Stanton <strong>and</strong> London Ranger Districts involves trafficking cocaine, crystal methamphetamine
“ICE,” <strong>and</strong> marijuana from Kansas <strong>and</strong> Mexico. Three of the four men arrested are illegal aliens from Chihuahua, Mexico, <strong>and</strong> were in
possession of fake Resident Alien cards, Social Security cards, <strong>and</strong> stolen identities. The four men were arrested with approximately 1.2
pounds of crystal methamphetamine. A search warrant led to the discovery of cocaine <strong>and</strong> $8,049 cash. The men will be charged with
trafficking the 1.2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 18.5 kilos of cocaine <strong>and</strong> 75 pounds of marijuana. Kentucky State Police Post 7
Street Level Narcotics Unit, Irvine Police Department, DEA Kansas, DEA Lexington, ATF Lexington, Immigration <strong>and</strong> Customs
Enforcement, Kentucky State Police, Richmond Police Department, Lexington Metro Police Department <strong>and</strong> Appalachia HIDTA assisted
with the investigation.
A year-long investigation by LEI, assisted by several other federal, state <strong>and</strong> local agencies, has dismantled a Mexican drug trafficking
organization (DTO) operating within the Forest since 1997. The activity was taking place in counties that are not part of the Appalachia
HIDTA. Four men from Chihuahua, Mexico, all non-US citizens, were sentenced to serve time in Federal prison on one count of
conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of crystal methamphetamine “Ice” <strong>and</strong> one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 5
kilos of cocaine. The leader was sentenced to serve 105 months for each count; one man was sentenced to serve 94 months for each
count; <strong>and</strong> the other two men to serve 24 months for each count. After serving their prison sentences, all will be deported to Mexico.
Others involved in the illegal operations included an Irvine, KY man who was sentenced to serve 105 months for his role as a distributor
for the DTO, <strong>and</strong> a Campton, KY man who was sentenced to serve 120 months for his role in distribution. Another Campton, KY man is
in custody <strong>and</strong> has pleaded guilty to involvement with distribution. In relation to this case, agents seized 10 firearms, including 3 fully
automatic machine guns <strong>and</strong> a sawed-off shotgun, <strong>and</strong> a ballistic vest. They also seized approximately 1.5 pounds of crystal
methamphetamine (valued at $33,000), one pound of marijuana (valued at $1,000), a quantity of cocaine, <strong>and</strong> approximately $10,000
cash. The DEA in Kansas City, KS arrested two additional people directly tied to the leader of the Kentucky DTO. The DEA seized
2,800 pounds of marijuana (valued at $2,800,000) <strong>and</strong> located the vehicle of the DTO leader in a garage belonging to the people arrested
in Kansas. Each person was charged with distribution of cocaine as well as charges related to the marijuana. More arrests are expected in
Kentucky. The supplier to the DTO is believed to have fled to Mexico. This investigation involved Kentucky State Police, Irvine Police
Department, DEA, ATF, FBI, ICE, Richmond Police Department, Lexington Metro Police Department, Winchester Police Department
<strong>and</strong> Menifee County Sheriff’s Department.
28 USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 8
Francis Marion <strong>and</strong> Sumter National Forests - During the week of 2/27, an alert Forest Service employee happened upon a partially
hidden stash of precursors <strong>and</strong> equipment for methamphetamine production at the end of an NFS Road on the Sumter National Forest.
The employee notified LEI personnel <strong>and</strong> left the area. When LEI personnel arrived at the site the next morning the materials had been
removed by unknown individuals. LEI <strong>and</strong> Sheriff’s Department personnel are conducting further investigation. <strong>Meth</strong>amphetamine
waste materials have been dumped on these NFS l<strong>and</strong>s in the past, however, this is the first active production material found in that
location.
National Forests in North Carolina - An Asheville, NC man was sentenced in federal court to serve 7 ½ years in prison for his role in 3
methamphetamine labs on NFS l<strong>and</strong>s. The case began when an LEO confronted a man for expired license plates within the Pisgah
National Forest near a Forest Service campground in Yancey County, NC. LEI personnel found a methamphetamine lab in the suspect’s
vehicle <strong>and</strong> two labs at campsites within the Forest. The suspect advised that he had made methamphetamine at the two locations on NFS
l<strong>and</strong>s every day during the previous two weeks.
National Forests <strong>and</strong> Grassl<strong>and</strong>s in Texas- On 7/24, an LEO <strong>and</strong> K-9, assisted Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers <strong>and</strong> DEA
Agents with interdiction efforts on Interstate 45 which runs through NFS l<strong>and</strong>s on the Sam Houston National Forest. The K-9 alerted on a
vehicle resulting in two arrests <strong>and</strong> the location of a hidden compartment in a vehicle that contained 4 kilos of cocaine <strong>and</strong> 329 tabs of
ecstasy.
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests- A husb<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> wife were recently sentenced as a result of a marijuana cultivation case on the
Buffalo Ranger District. The husb<strong>and</strong> pleaded guilty to marijuana cultivation, possession of drug paraphernalia, <strong>and</strong> possession with
intent to deliver. All items seized during the search warrants served at their residence will be forfeited, including $3,000 in cash <strong>and</strong> three
weapons. He was sentenced to serve 240 hours of community service <strong>and</strong> 3 years of probation, <strong>and</strong> his driver’s license was suspended for
6 months. The wife pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor possession charge <strong>and</strong> a drug paraphernalia charge, which was amended to a
misdemeanor. She was in possession of marijuana when she was arrested as she came from a school where she was employed as a
teacher. She was sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine <strong>and</strong> serve one year probation.
29
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF DRUG
RELATED INCIDENTS
REGION 9
Huron/Manistee National Forest – Forest Service personnel recently assisted with drug flights <strong>and</strong> arrests. A search warrant on a
residence (private l<strong>and</strong>s inside Forest boundary) resulted in the seizure of 56 plants <strong>and</strong> 5 pounds of processed marijuana. Eight plants
were seized behind another residence.
White Mountain National Forest - On 9/16, an LEO from the Saco Ranger District assisted the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department <strong>and</strong>
the Gilford Police Department in the service of arrest <strong>and</strong> search warrants at a residence in Gilford. The owner of the residence was
arrested <strong>and</strong> charged with the cultivation of a small marijuana garden on the Saco Ranger District. A second person living at the residence
is also implicated, but was not at home at the time. The two are also believed responsible for the construction of a trail <strong>and</strong> maintenance
of extensive improvements at a campsite near the marijuana garden.
REGION 10
Tongass National Forest - On 8/11, an LEO <strong>and</strong> an SA conducted a marijuana aerial reconnaissance flight along the western side of
Prince of Wales Isl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> observed a number of marijuana plants at a residence bordering NFS l<strong>and</strong>s in Port Alex<strong>and</strong>er, AK. After an
attempt to contact the owner proved unsuccessful, 35 marijuana plants which were in plain view were seized from the porch of the
residence. The next day, additional SA’s, <strong>and</strong> Alaska State Troopers returned to execute a federal search warrant. An indoor-grow
operation, additional marijuana plants <strong>and</strong> numerous packages of processed marijuana were located <strong>and</strong> seized from the residence.
On 8/12, Southeast Alaska Narcotics Enforcement Team (SEANET) personnel, assisted by an LEO <strong>and</strong> an SA, responded to the
discovery of a cl<strong>and</strong>estine methamphetamine lab located on Wrangell Isl<strong>and</strong> on state l<strong>and</strong> adjacent to NFS l<strong>and</strong>s on the Wrangell Ranger
District. The scene was estimated to be ten acres <strong>and</strong> was a location used to hide chemicals, cook sites, <strong>and</strong> waste products. Investigators
went to the small boat harbor in Wrangell <strong>and</strong> discovered additional evidence of manufacturing on a small houseboat. A search warrant
was obtained <strong>and</strong> executed on the houseboat, which resulted in the seizure of additional evidence. Suspects have been identified <strong>and</strong> the
investigation continues.
30
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

MILITARY SUPPORT to
NFS COUNTER DRUG OPERATIONS
CY 2005
31

JTF-NORTH SUPPORT
15
10
Total Mission by Calendar Year
13 13
12
111111
8
During CY2005 JTF-North support
included 3 operational support missions
for a total of 312.9 flight hours which
corresponds to a reduction of 313.95
flight hours from CY 2004
5
2
3
4
3
0
CY2001 CY2002 CY2003 CY2004 CY2005
Intelligence Operational General
89,965 plants were eradicated as a direct result
of limited JTF-North Mission Support during
CY2005 which corresponds to a reduction of
117,397 plants from CY2004
32
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

NATIONAL GUARD SUPPORT
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
National Guard Support by Fiscal Year
6,990
4,605
3,905
765 903
707
140
224
56
1,385
499
FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005
Number of Missions Person Days Flight Hours
Support received included technical,
general support, <strong>and</strong> both surface <strong>and</strong>
aerial reconnaissance.
Note: No figures were available from
the National Guard for FY 2004
33
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

CIVIL AIR PATROL SUPPORT (CAP)
Total CAP Support Hours
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
3,149
3,329
2,663
2,671
3,149.5
3,149.5
2,369
2,387.8
Support received during CY2005
focused on aerial reconnaissance.
Note: The Civil Air Patrol has
historically reported its stats on
Fiscal Year cycles.
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
7.4
175 5
0 8
0 11.4
FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005
Air Recon Hours Marine Recon Hours Transport Hours Total
34
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

NFS REGIONAL
DRUG ENFORCEMENT STATISTICS
CY 2005
35

MARIJUANA PLANTS
PER GARDEN by REGION
Plants per Garden by Region
Plants per Garden by Region (Includes
seized <strong>and</strong> known harvested plants)
6
4
5
10
3
1
2
9
8
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
R1
41 86
R2
R3
R4
9,650
3,209
1,877
1,079
201 42 14
R5
R6
R8
R9
R10
National- Average
988
36
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

MARIJUANA PLANTS
ERADICATED <strong>and</strong> KNOWN
HARVESTED by REGION
800,000
700,000
802,328
6
1
600,000
5
10
4
3
2
9
8
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
0
R1
202
1 256
32
R2
R3
115,802
R4
3,034
5,632
0
R5
94,685
R6
28,061
3,547
R8
158,186
54
R9
1,477
302
58
14
R10
<strong>Marijuana</strong> Plants Eradicated
Known Plants Harvested by Growers
37
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

PROCESSED MARIJUANA
SEIZURES by REGION
120000
105000
90000
75000
115,464
121,821
REGION 3 - CY 2005 Seizures on National Forest
l<strong>and</strong> in Arizona accounted for 115,463 lbs of
<strong>Processed</strong> <strong>Marijuana</strong>, 367 lbs of Cocaine <strong>and</strong> 11 lbs
of <strong>Meth</strong>amphetamine.
60000
45000
30000
15000
0
R1
R2
349
59
R3
R4
3
R5
458
R6
R8
4,637
R9
342
507
R10
2
Total
Pounds of <strong>Processed</strong> <strong>Marijuana</strong> <strong>Seized</strong> by Region
38
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

METH LABS <strong>and</strong>
DUMP SITES by REGION
6
1
90
80
86
4
2
9
70
60
50
5
50
10
3
8
40
30
20
28 26
37
10
2 3 2 3 0 0 0 0 10 0 3
3
1 0
0
R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R8 R9 R10 Total
Labs
Dump Sites
39
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

TOTAL ARRESTS for
DRUG RELATED CRIMES
on NFS LANDS by REGION
450
400
435
350
300
250
200
212
150
100
50
11 25 18 2
68
77
19 3
0
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R8
R9
R10
TOTAL
CY2005 Total Arrests
40
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

MARIJUANA PLANTS
SEIZED in CALIFORNIA
900,000
Plants <strong>Seized</strong>
2,500
Plants per Garden (Includes only
seized plants)
800,000
700,000
2,000
600,000
500,000
1,500
400,000
300,000
1,000
200,000
500
100,000
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
1995 - 56,855
2000 – 443,595
1995 – 353
2000 – 1,963
1996 – 80,019
2001 – 495,536
1996 – 320
2001 – 2,294
1997 – 69,367
2002 – 420,866
1997 – 408
2002 – 1,683
1998 – 91,424
2003 – 442,670
1998 – 896
2003 – 1,609
1999 – 234,496
2004 – 564,644
1999 – 1,002
2004 – 2,295
2005 – 802,328
2005 – 1,105
41
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

MARIJUANA PLANTS
SEIZED in KENTUCKY
Plants <strong>Seized</strong>
Plants per Garden
250,000
300
200,000
250
150,000
200
150
100,000
100
50,000
50
0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
0
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
1996 – 133,125
2001 – 170,314
1996 – 38
2001 – 40
1997 – 165,255
2002 – 102,288
1997 – 53
2002 – 182
1998 – 143,350
2003 – 213,229
1998 – 61
2003 – 267
1999 – 192,685
2004 – 120,914
1999 – 51
2004 – 159
2000 – 201,227
2005 – 121,809
2000 – 50
2005– 168
42
USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations

FOREST SERVICE
DRUG ENFORCEMENT
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ann R. Melle
Assistant Director-Enforcement
Washington, D.C.
(703) 605-4527
amelle@fs.fed.us
Mark A. Tarantino
Senior Special Agent
Counter Drug Program Coordinator
El Paso Intelligence Center
El Paso, TX
(915) 760-2028
mtarantino@fs.fed.us
Region 1: Laura Mark, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (406) 329-3950
Region 2: Steve Ruppert, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (303) 275-5344
Region 3: Vacant, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (505) 842-3362
Region 4: Kim Christensen, Special Agent in Charge (801) 625-5430
Region 5: Bob Hern<strong>and</strong>ez, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (707) 562-8649
Region 6: Ron Pugh, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (360) 891-5277
Region 8: Tracy Perry, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (404) 347-2756
Region 9: Vacant, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (414) 297-1203
Region 10: Marty Myers, Assistant Special Agent in Charge (907) 586-8786
43 USDA Forest Service
Law Enforcement <strong>and</strong> Investigations