Agents from the State Bureau of Investigation coordinated large scale efforts to identify and dismantle outdoor marijuana growing operations in eight western counties.

The multi-agency operation included personnel from the SBI, United States Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Forestry Service, North Carolina Wildlife, and multiple sheriffs’ offices and police departments.

Planes and helicopters manned by the DEA, SBI and State Highway Patrol provided air support to law enforcement officers on the ground.

The operation was conducted during the week of July 19-24, and focused on Cherokee, Swain, Graham, Madison, Yancey, Caldwell, Mitchell and McDowell counties.

A total of 878 marijuana plants were seized, which prompted 13 separate investigations to identify the individuals involved.

Anyone with information related to marijuana grow operations is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

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