STATE SURPASSES NUMBER OF POT PLANTS SEIZED IN 2005

Authorities have eradicated more than 1.2 million marijuana plants in
California so far this year, eclipsing last year's record seizure with
several weeks remaining in the growing season.

Teams of local, state and federal law enforcement officers have raided
illegal marijuana gardens holding plants with an estimated street
value of $4.9 billion, Attorney General Bill Lockyer said.

About 75 percent of the marijuana seized comes from illegal gardens
planted in public parks and forests, Lockyer spokesman Aaron
Carruthers said.

So far, authorities have eradicated 335 gardens, arrested 18 suspects
and seized 17 weapons.

The greatest number of plants has been taken from Shasta County, where
officers confiscated 204,571 plants worth more than $818 million. Lake
and Mendocino were the other top counties.

Last year's haul, the previous record, was 1.1 million
plants.