Illegal pot grow arrests leave Western Antelope Valley still in fear  —

By Patric Hedlund, TME

One body was pulled out of the California Aqueduct last year on July 20, adjacent to State Route 138 that slices through the Western Antelope Valley. There were drugs in the system of Cain Arteaga, 32. Gossip in the area speaks of relatives involved with Mexican drug cartels—and a gangbanger called Monster. Arteaga’s father just says the family is still grieving.

Another body was found two weeks later, August 3, 2020, slumped behind the wheel of a bright red pickup truck parked on a…(please see below to view full stories and photographs)

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Western Antelope Valley residents just north of Neenach have been begging for law enforcement help. Now the sheriff is taking action: 100 miles away.

A coalition of law enforcement joined KCSO to arrest 29 people engaged in 10 illegal marijuana grows 100 miles away from Neenach. They were charged with stealing water, among other things.

Neighbors who live in the desert north of Neenach say their quiet country life has been invaded by what they allege are illegal marijuana grow operations. These photos were taken from public roads. The Mountain Enterprise did not confirm what is occurring behind the fences.

Tall fences of plywood, planks and chain link with coverings block the vision of those passing by on rural roads. These are now being plastered across the Western Antelope Valley. “The place smells like skunk,” said one resident about the harvest season for illegal marijuana. They are north of Neenach (and the Los Angeles County line).

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This is part of the July 2, 2021 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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