Rep. Gallagher Calls for FBI Crackdown on Illegal Marijuana Operations in Northern California

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) appeared on Fox Business to call for federal action against illegal marijuana growing operations across Northern California, warning that suspected transnational criminal networks are overwhelming local law enforcement and threatening the North State's natural resources.

 

During the interview, Gallagher highlighted estimates of more than 7,000 illegal marijuana grows in Siskiyou County alone, raising concerns about possible connections to Chinese organized crime networks and Mexican drug cartels. He has called on FBI Director Kash Patel to provide federal investigative support to help local authorities dismantle the criminal enterprises behind these operations.

 

“What we've had is California decided to legalize recreational marijuana, and they brought a lot of those California taxes to it,” Gallagher said. “The people who actually went legit have been really hurt by the business. But the illicit market has grown exponentially, especially up in my district in the North State.”

 

Gallagher warned that illegal operations are damaging Northern California's forests and watersheds through the use of hazardous pesticides and other prohibited agricultural chemicals. He also raised concerns about possible human trafficking, noting that individuals found tending illegal grows may not be the people financing or controlling the operations.

 

The Congressman emphasized that investigators need to follow the money to determine whether shell companies and foreign criminal networks are financing the activity.

 

“That's why I've asked FBI Director Kash Patel to come in and provide some federal support, some federal investigation to really get to the bottom of this transnational criminal enterprise,” Gallagher said.

 

Gallagher also criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to provide sufficient state resources to combat the growing problem, arguing that rural Northern California has been neglected while illegal operations continue to expand.

 

“We have not been getting the kind of support that we really need from our governor,” Gallagher said. “We have wanted more support from the state to help enforce the law, enforce our water quality standards, to really go after this enterprise that has just popped up in our backyard.”

 

Gallagher stressed that the potential involvement of international criminal organizations makes federal involvement especially important. He is seeking additional investigative resources to support local sheriffs and identify those responsible for financing and directing illegal cultivation operations.