The recent drug bust in Southern California led to the arrest of dozens of illegal immigrants involved in illegal marijuana growing operations. Federal agents uncovered nearly 790 acres of illegal marijuana growing operations near Coachella, California, during a massive operation.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that up to 75 illegal migrants were arrested during the operation, along with at least one U.S. citizen who was arrested for impeding law enforcement. Anthony Chrysanthis, deputy special agent in charge for the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division, described the harsh working and living conditions at the three illegal marijuana sites. Temperatures reached as high as 112 degrees during the operation.
Multiple federal and local agencies executed search warrants on the illegal grow operations, which covered nearly 790 acres in Thermal, just south of Coachella in Southern California. The DEA requested support from various federal partners due to the magnitude and topography of the operation.
Videos shared on social media platforms showed massive indoor warehouses filled with mature marijuana plants, sophisticated lighting, and equipment at one of the sites. The grounds were professionally designed with gravel covering the ground, white trailers, and barbed-wire fencing surrounding the area.
DEA agents were seen entering trailers on the sites and prying doors open with crowbars. The videos also showed DEA personnel executing search warrants during the seizure, where they found two men locked inside a trailer in filthy living conditions.
The response to the operation included teams from various agencies such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshal’s Office, and more. The illegal cannabis market has been a growing issue in California, with Governor Gavin Newsom reporting seizures of $534 million worth of illegal marijuana in 2024.
Since 2019, officials have seized around $2.8 billion worth of illegal marijuana in the state. The Epoch Times originally reported this story, highlighting the importance of supporting traditional journalism. Consider subscribing to their independent news platform to access fact-based, award-winning journalism that remains free from corporate and political influence.
