Over 1500 Marijuana Plants Eradicated, Four Persons Arrested in Baker County

The estimated value of the seized marijuana plants was $3 million.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(BAKER COUNTY, Ore.) - State, federal, county and local law enforcement agencies recently completed the eradication of a large outdoor marijuana grow in Baker County that yielded more than 1,500 plants, some over 13 feet tall. Four people from Caldwell, Idaho have been arrested and the investigation is continuing.

Oregon State Police say that on August 23rd, troopers joined the Baker County Narcotics Enforcement team and the National Guard, in the second day of flights looking for outdoor marijuana grow sites.

In the course of this, they say they spotted a large grow site about 25 miles southeast of Baker City. That evening, an OSP trooper stopped a 2003 Chevrolet Blazer in the area of the marijuana grow site and detained the four occupants. OSP detectives responded to the scene and follow up investigation led to their arrest on criminal charges. The four men were all from Caldwell, Idaho.

The four men arrested were the driver, 20-year old Octavio Calderon Mendoza. He was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, and Unlawful Manufacturing (Growing) of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana. Police say he was in possession of a 9mm semi-auto handgun.

A 23-year old passenger, Humberto Gallegos Mendoza, was arrested for Unlawful Manufacturing (growing) a Controlled Substance - Marijuana.

Another passenger, 19-year old Ignacio Calderon Mendoza was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana.

The fourth passenger, 23-year old Abraham Guerrero Campos was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana.

All four were lodged in Baker County Jail.

During the next week, detectives say they processed and eradicated the grow site that was on Bureau of Land Management property with the assistance of OSP SWAT, OSP Patrol and Fish & Wildlife troopers, Baker County Sheriff's Office, BLM, Baker City Police Department, and National Guard.

The estimated value of the seized marijuana plants was $3 million.

The investigation is continuing and no further information is being released.