Two suspects remain at large following the confiscation of more than 2,300 marijuana plants late last month.
The bust occurred in the Railroad Valley area up in northern Nye County.
The Nye County Sheriff’s Office issued a news release detailing the bust, which occurred on Friday, Sept. 29.
“A multi-agency effort involving the Nye County Sheriff’s Office confiscated and disposed of nearly 2,385 marijuana plants in the northeast area of the county,” the release stated.
The release went on to state that the plants were buried in a large pit, which was back-filled with several feet of sand, gravel and large boulders.
It took a herculean effort to clear out the plants.
“All plants were removed with approximately 13 helicopter flights,” the release noted. The operation was led by the U.S. Forest Service, with the Nye County Sheriff’s Office as the home agency. Other participating agencies were the Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and Nevada Game Wardens.
A Nye County Sheriff’s deputy was part of the team that entered into the grow site with the multi-agency drop team.
The release also stated two individuals were encountered in the outside grow area but fled the area on foot and are still at large.
“A DNA sample was collected from the suspects’ camp,” according to the release. “Also involved in the operation from the Nye County Sheriff’s Office were an investigator, a detective and a second deputy.”
Though the legalization of recreational marijuana began on July 1, of this year, there are laws which prohibit outdoor growing.
The amount of plants grown is also regulated.
Anyone with any additional information on the seized plants is encouraged to contact Nye County authorities.
Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com, on Twitter: @pvtimes