Nevada State Police investigation leads to 8,784 pounds of marijuana in illegal grow
Nevada State Police and multiple law enforcement agencies seized 8,784 pounds of marijuana worth an estimate $7.8 million and arrested three men after finding an illegal outdoor grow site in a remote Lincoln County wilderness area.
The eradication operation was done Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022 and also involved the Nevada State Police Investigation Division Mobile Response Team, National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Bureau of Land Management, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Nevada Narcotic Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency , and the U.S. Forest Service.
Three suspects were arrested during this investigation:
— Marcelino Madrigal
— Antonio Madrigal
— Jesus Garcia Lopez
The men are charged with trafficking marijuana of more than 5,000 pounds and were booked into the Lincoln County Detention Center.
In February 2022, a local hunter contacted the Nevada State Police, Investigation Division and indicated he believed he had walked into an illegal outdoor marijuana grow site while scouting in the mountains, according to a NSP news release.
The Nevada State Police MRT conducted surveillance and reconnaissance operations and determined that the grow site was a previous grow site that had again become active. The investigation and operation ultimately led to the seizure of the illegal marijuana and the arrest of the suspects, according to NSP.
Illegal marijuana grows pose multiple public safety concerns, Nevada State Police noted, citing the use of illegal and highly toxic pesticides, which can be harmful and deadly to humans, animals, and the environment. These pesticides are commonly found in these sites. NSP further noted that individuals who are "working" the illegal grow site can be a threat to hikers, hunters, campers, and people enjoying outdoor activities on public land.
Authorities advise those that come across a suspected illegal grow site to leave the area immediately and contact the Nevada State Police Investigation Division at 775-684-7412.