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Massive Northern California Pot Raids Net 630K Plants

UKIAH, Calif. (AP) -- Law enforcement officials say they've concluded a massive raid of illegal marijuana grows on public lands in the heart of Northern California's pot country, and it netted 132 arrests.

   The three-week operation, known as Operation Full Court Press, ended Friday after purging the Mendocino National Forest of more than 632,000 marijuana plants.

   Of those arrested, 118 were booked on federal and state charges and 14 were detained on immigration violations.

   The 1,400-square-mile forest covers six counties in a region of mountains and forests known as the Emerald Triangle due to its high concentration of pot farms.

   Officials say they also seized nearly 2,000 pounds of processed marijuana, 38 guns and 20 vehicles. Agents also removed trash and chemicals as well as miles of irrigation line that damage forestland and waterways.

   (Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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