Illegal Pot Gardens Discovered

A Sheriff helicopter flying over the Los Padres National Forest, spotted two illegal marijuana gardens.Deputies made the discovery on Friday, and then spent more than five hours confiscating more than 22,000 pot plants.The marijuana operation valued at 88 million dollars, covered about 13 acres in the mountains above Ojai.Officers also found several campsites, but the growers got away. Drug agents say the growers are often armed and may pose a danger to hikers. They also say the irrigation and pesticides used to grow the plants harm the forest.