Washington, D.C. – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) participated in a marijuana eradication effort Monday, led by Shasta County Sheriff Tom Bosenko in coordination with state and federal agencies. The Congressman wanted an “up close and personal” assessment of the enormous challenges facing local law enforcement as they deal with the explosion of illegal marijuana gardens planted by Mexican drug cartels.

“It is a daunting task, but we cannot surrender to the drug lords,” Herger said. “This is a federal government obligation, but too much of the burden is falling upon local law enforcement agencies. They need reinforcements and additional resources.”

In late June Rep. Herger introduced a resolution calling on the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to develop a coordinated strategy to permanently dismantle Mexican drug trafficking organizations operating on federal lands. Earlier this year Herger arranged a meeting between the ONDCP, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Department of Homeland Security to discuss strategies to combat this serious problem.

“These traffickers pose a threat to the visitors of national parks and forests and local law enforcement, and the federal government is fundamentally responsible for addressing it. We must focus more attention and begin a process of greater cooperation and coordination among the agencies responsible for protecting our federal lands and the citizens who want to enjoy them.”

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