months-long investigation into a marijuana farming operation in the desert northwest of Veyo resulted in the arrest of 37 Mexican nationals suspected of helping to cultivate the drug field Saturday.
"This is the largest grow we have ever seen, relative to the number of people in the grow, in the state of Utah – ever," DEA Supervisory Special Agent Sue Thomas said.
Washington County Sheriff Cory Pulsipher said that even in the largest marijuana fields raided in previous years, usually only six to eight people were arrested.
As with previous marijuana farming operations, the suspects are believed to have ties to a transnational organization headquartered in Mexico, but this weekend's bust was unusual in that the suspects are not just low-level workers – managers who call the shots are believed to have been taken in the raid.
"It's a very successful operation ... in that we actively targeted upper-level members of the organization, ID¹d them and then apprehended them," Thomas said. "They're responsible for hiring the workers ... maintaining the workers ... supplying the site."
A press release issued by St. George Police Sgt. Johnny Heppler said some suspects may still be at large in the area and residents are advised to avoid picking up hitchhikers. Pulsipher said he saw two people flee during the incident, but he didn't know if they are still on the loose.
Anyone with information about possible fugitives tied to the marijuana farm should call the Washington County Sheriff's Office, or county dispatch at 435-634-5730.
Thomas said the suspects don't speak English and agents with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement were assisting with identifying the individuals Saturday.
"We've been working this investigation since before the summer of 2010," she said.
The farm site is believed to be related to at least three marijuana grows that were eradicated last year, and the transnational organization allegedly has bases in Nevada and Southern California.
While the number of plants at the location has not yet been determined, Thomas guessed it might be in the 10,000 to 15,000 range. During 2010, more than 100,000 marijuana plants were eradicated at 17 locations in Washington, Iron, Garfield and Wayne counties, resulting in 24 arrests.
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