Forest Service raids illegal pot grow near Aspen

For the second time in a year, the U.S. Forest Service has eradicated an illegal marijuana-growing operation on national forest lands in the Aspen area.

About a dozen Forest Service workers assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration removed 2,630 mature plants near Ruedi Reservoir Wednesday. The Aspen Times reports that the illegal grow was discovered after hunters reported smelling the drug.

The Forest Service estimated the plants were worth more than $6 million. Irrigation pipes and other materials were discovered. No arrests were made in the raid, and an investigation is ongoing.

White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams told the newspaper that high marijuana demand means the agency expects more illegal grows.

The Forest Service eradicated some 3,375 marijuana plants near Redstone in September 2013.