Authorities in Southern California have seized more than 16 tons of marijuana, worth an estimated $1.19 billion, in the largest pot growth bust in Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department history.
New Mexico Sen. Joseph Cervantes (D-Las Cruces) took notice and wrote in a tweet that he doubted whether legalizing marijuana reduced crime.
"Five years ago, California legalized marijuana for (the) same reasons we're told it will end drug wars and reduce crime in (New Mexico),” he said. “This week 33,000 lbs. of illegal pot worth $1.1 billion, weapons and 134 cartel arrested operating near Los Angeles."
The bust was the result of a 10-day sting operation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department’s that resulted in 22 felony arrests, 109 misdemeanor arrests, and 19 arrests with more than 200 location-served warrants, according to CBS News.
Lancaster, Calif., Mayor Rex Parris said at a press conference that the seizure was the result of cartel criminal activity.
"We are not talking about mom and pop people selling marijuana that they grew in their backyard,” he said. “This is the cartels. We are very, very close to driving down the freeway and seeing bodies hanging from the overpasses. That is what's coming."
The LAPD was able to secure approximately 375,000 marijuana plants, 33,480 pounds of harvested pot, 65 vehicles associated with the cartel, 180 animals and $28,000, CBS News reported.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Narcotic Bureau detectives have discovered over 500 illegal pot cultivations this year, a significant increase from the 150 found in 2020.