After a summer that netted 15,000 marijuana plants on public lands that extended over four Nevada counties, the state’s Department of Public Safety urges caution as hunters head for the woods and secluded places this fall.
Marijuana grows and other illegal enterprises are being encountered on public lands with increasing frequency, according to the department.
The beginning of hunting season generally coincides with the harvest season for marijuana in many areas of Nevada. The vast public lands in Nevada can make for a tempting base of operations for a variety of illegal enterprises, including clandestine drug manufacturing operations, which undoubtedly have gone undetected, according to DPS.
The following are some indicators that you may have encountered a criminal enterprise being operated on public lands:
— Fertilizer or other chemicals and their discarded containers
— Concealed campsites away from normal camping areas
— Discarded supplies / make shift dump site
— Irrigation equipment such as hoses and sprinklers
— People who are concerned with your presence in the area
— Gardening or yard tools
— Presence of chicken wire to protect plants from animals
Marijuana growers and clandestine drug producers responsible for these operations are dangerous and should be avoided, the DPS has advised. It is not uncommon for illegal drug operations to include individuals with prior weapons and tactical experience. These individuals are frequently armed and have shown themselves to be aggressive toward hunters, hikers and other intruders.
DPS urges land users to be cautious when experiencing Nevada’s back country and urged people to be on the alert for indicators of illegal marijuana gardens or illicit drug production sites.
The public should be aware of unusual traffic patterns to remote areas, receipts, wrappers and other evidence of agricultural supplies that are out of character for the area.
When encountering a site that may be in use for illegal operations such as suspected marijuana gardens or clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, the public should leave immediately and report the sighting to law enforcement.
Whenever possible, leave the area using the same route traveled to enter the area. In order to expedite law enforcement response consider noting coordinates on a GPS or making notes regarding landmarks and/or travel time and method from a trail head to the suspicious area. Under no circumstance should anyone attempt to explore an area that may be in use as part of an illegal enterprise.
DPS urges land users to report all suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Therefore the investigative division arm of Nevada Department of Public Safety has set up a toll free tip line for the public to provide information on any suspected illegal operation occurring on public lands:
The number is 1-866 2REPORT (1-866-273-7678); or it may be reported online at dps.nv.gov (Suspicious Activity Report – which is highlighted in yellow).
