Update: Federal prosecutors say a hunter tip led to the recent seizure and arrests of five people accused of illegally growing thousands of marijuana plants on public land in Boise County. U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson also down-sized yesterday the total number of plants confiscated from two grow operations. Local authorities initially reported seizing an estimated 40,000 plants, but Olson said only 5,585 plants were tallied.
Original Story: Authorities in Boise County say they have destroyed more than 40,000 marijuana plant growing in a remote corner of the county and arrested five people for in connection with the illegal operation.
The Boise County Sheriff Department described the illegal growing bust as the biggest ever in the county. Authorities estimated the street value at $100 million.
Officials say the plants were discovered in two areas — one near Rabbit Creek and other east of Lowman in the Payette River drainage. Along with the plants, authorities confiscated irrigation systems, camping gear and food from the sites.
In addition, authorities say five unidentified suspects have been arrested, and a search of a home in Caldwell netted nearly $69,000 in cash, seven vehicles and 348 pounds of marijuana.