Blackwell Hill fire update: Abandoned mines in the area are proving to be a hazard for firefighters.
SELMA, Ore. — A major marijuana grow is uprooted today near Selma. Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies pulled out thousands of marijuana plants. The massive grow west of Selma was uncovered early Tuesday morning.
The grow is located in such a remote area, crews must be dropped in by helicopter one at a time. Just one of six grow sites the seven county, multi agency team is busting.
IMAGE GALLERY: Photos from the armed operation to tear out the marijuana grow
“There is so much of this marijuana being grown. Cartels are all over Southern Oregon, so this is just a small piece of the big pie,” explained Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson.
Gilbertson says the size of the grow indicates a known Mexican Drug Cartel. And as they work, they keep a perimeter, knowing the people who grow this crop are armed more times than not.
They would not say if any arrests were made because it is still an open investigation.