SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DESTROYS 3,200 MARIJUANA PLANTS

The San Joaquin Sheriff's Department Narcotics Unit on Tuesday pulled
3,200 marijuana plants in the Thornton area, near the Mokelumne River.

If allowed to grow fully, the street value could be more than $12 million.

While the plants found and destroyed Tuesday were not mature,
full-grown marijuana plants can produce between $4,000 and $5,000.

They were located using a helicopter.

Officers also found three tents where it appears people were living,
Sheriff's spokeswoman Nellie Stone said. Canned foods, bread, eggs and
camouflage clothing were also located in these camps leaving deputies
to believe suspects were living in this area taking care of their crop.

No arrests have been made.