NARCOTICS DETECTIVES TURN TO PUBLIC

Community Encouraged to Report Non-Medical Marijuana
Growers

In hopes of cracking down on illegal outdoor marijuana growers in
Santa Barbara County, Sheriff's Narcotics detectives are turning to
the public for assistance. The Narcotics Division has received a
federal grant to help it fund the production and distribution of
fliers encouraging the public to help law enforcement officers
identify and report non-medical marijuana producers.

Last year alone, the Sheriff's Office destroyed more than 325,000
marijuana plants with a street value of more than $900,000,000, said
spokesperson Drew Sugars.

The fliers explain what signs to look for when identifying someone who
may be using forest or private land to cultivate marijuana. It is the
hope of the detectives that by creating the fliers, they will not only
educate people about illegal marijuana operations, but also minimize
the danger to citizens and reduce environmental damage that can be
attributed to unlawful marijuana growth.

Citizens with information regarding illegal outdoor marijuana grows,
are urged to contact Sheriff's Narcotics detectives at 681-4175, by
fax at 681-4316, or by email at weedinfo@sbsheriff.org .