821: John Nores | Reclaiming America's Wildlands from the Drug Cartels

Community Impact

Illegal cannabis grows have devastating effects on local communities, causing environmental damage and resource theft. Lt. John Nores describes the extensive harm these operations inflict, including water diversion and pollution. He recounts how biologists often find abandoned grow sites littered with dead plants, water diversions, and hazardous materials 1.

We basically changed the game where we will find these grows a lot ourselves. Jordan we'll find them by just going out and scouting the right hillside that faces to the sun to the south and where waterways are.

--- Lt. John Nores

Nores emphasizes the importance of early detection to minimize environmental impact and ensure safer eradication efforts 2.

   

Safety Risks

The presence of illegal grow sites poses significant safety risks to local residents. John explains that many individuals involved in these operations have criminal backgrounds, including narcotics trafficking and violent crimes 3. This makes encounters with them potentially dangerous for both law enforcement and civilians.

Generally speaking, a good percentage of them are what are called deportable felons. They basically qualify because of criminal activity that they've either been involved in, maybe not convicted or accused of.

--- Lt. John Nores

The threat extends to property owners who may find themselves in perilous situations if they stumble upon these sites 3.

   

Game Warden Dangers

Game wardens face extreme dangers while patrolling remote areas where illegal grow sites are often hidden. John shares harrowing experiences of encountering armed cartel members and the constant threat they pose 4. He recounts a tense encounter with armed growers, highlighting the perilous nature of their work.

I'm seeing guys with tactical proficiency, and at this point, with my law enforcement training and the tactical work I had done, I'm like, that's how we work on a SWAT team.

--- Lt. John Nores

These encounters underscore the high-risk environment game wardens operate in, often without immediate backup or communication 5.

   

Evolving Threats

Cartel grow sites have evolved, becoming more dangerous and widespread. John notes that these operations have moved from deep woods to private lands, increasing the number of armed growers and the potential for violence 6. He describes the use of toxic chemicals by cartels to protect their crops, posing severe risks to wildlife and humans.

We're talking about neurotoxins, anticoagulants, really, really potent stuff. And that's what these guys are doing.

--- Lt. John Nores

The shift in grow site locations has made it harder for law enforcement to manage and eradicate these dangerous operations 6.