“Narco City” in the Antelope Valley

Lake Los Angeles – Staging area June 16 – Speaking with some of the agents working the marijuana abatement operation, one of the veteran pilots described the Antelope Valley as like being in South America among the grows.

Some of what is really going on besides growing plants: There are grows set up like small towns with a store for their indentured workers, people being held to work until their “fee” is paid … the fee owed to the polerro who smuggled them into this country illegally and at a very high price. If they do not pay, do not work or try to get away, their families that they left behind are threatened and/or harmed. Human trafficking and slavery is clearly evident.

On Tuesday agents rescued two women who were locked in a trailer in the sweltering 100 degree plus heat. One woman was in such bad condition, she was unable to stand or walk. Besides the multiple trailers and ‘company store’ at the grows agents found stacks of pallets loaded with illegal or banned chemicals that are being poured into the ground. The contamination of the ground and ground water could last decades or more.

Photos of some of the action including tail numbers cannot be taken/published to protect agencies and personnel.

Today was another day of seeking out, destroying, arresting and rescuing. The training, the abilities, the dedication and the bravery of these men and woman on these missions defies any and all description.

Getting ready and heading northeast

The contamination of the ground and ground water could last decades or more

By : Shirley Harriman