This cell phone video shot by agents captures marijuana plants shortly after they were seized during Thursday's raid. According to the Madera County Sheriff's Office, more than 20,000 plants in all were taken but more importantly investigators say two camps growers depend on were destroyed.
"If we don't do it we stand a pretty good chance of they are going to return to that particular grow and meanwhile we have a whole bunch of other grow sites we have to tackle through the summer," said Erica Stuart with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Over one hundred pounds of fertilizer and piles of equipment were also taken by agents, adding a silver lining to the operation.
"The good news is what ever they can salvage from these campsites is actually being donated to volunteer organizations," said Stuart.
"If we don't do it we stand a pretty good chance of they are going to return to that particular grow and meanwhile we have a whole bunch of other grow sites we have to tackle through the summer," said Erica Stuart with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Over one hundred pounds of fertilizer and piles of equipment were also taken by agents, adding a silver lining to the operation.
"The good news is what ever they can salvage from these campsites is actually being donated to volunteer organizations," said Stuart.