| "Authorities reported a staggering jump in the number of marijuana plants seized in California's eradication effort, claiming a more than 50 percent jump over the previous year. The Campaign Against Marijuana Planting seized 4.4 million plants in 2009, up from 2.9 million plants in 2008, according to state Department of Justice figures released Wednesday. "Mexican drug trafficking organizations are exploiting our pristine public lands with these massive marijuana gardens," said U.S. Attorney Lawrence G. Brown. "It wreaks environmental havoc on public lands and poses a serious danger to hikers and law enforcement personnel alike." (Source: KSRO1350, "Authorities: Huge jump in Calif. pot plants seized," November 4, 2009) |
