World

Army Torches Massive 300-Acre Pot Farm in Mexico

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Mexican army burned the largest marijuana plantation ever found in the country Friday, covering almost 300 acres and potentially worth more than $160 million.

The crop, discovered last week about 150 miles south of Tijuana, was sheltered under a black screen-cloth commonly used by regular farmers, which helped growers avoid detection.

Comments (90)

  • trooper
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:47pm

    So let me get this sraight, they discover 300 acre’s of pot, light it on fire and release hundreds of tones of smoke into the air for everyone to breath in for miles around, sound rational. I bet they will wake up tomorrow with a pot hangover, what do you think?

    Report Post »  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:26pm

      Whoa dude, road trip!!!!

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • davecoolworld
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:42pm

      All governments create organized crime. Not intentionally of course, it is a by-product of laws that the populous doesn’t want or obey. Prohibition created the likes of Capone, et al. The high cigarette taxes of today creates a black market of huge proportions that make it worthwhile to risk your life. Same is still true with illegal drugs today.

      Legalize it, tax it, get our farmers off subsidies and let them grow it. It would stop the drug wars on our borders overnight.

      Although I am not in favor of legalizing all drugs, the drug problem will take care of itself when weak people start using hard drugs like heroin.

      They will get hooked, od and die…problem solved.

      Report Post » davecoolworld  
    • salvawhoray
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:32pm

      no such thing as a “Pot Hangover”.

      Report Post » salvawhoray  
    • Marci
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:35pm

      I’ll bet there were a lot of unusually happy people in Mexico, along with the army that torched it.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Cause4Liberty
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:55pm

      Torch it, because the evidence will show the CIA is involved. F’n corrupt snakes on both sides of the mexican border.

      Report Post » Cause4Liberty  
    • Cause4Liberty
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 7:08pm

      Im Just saying, A HUGE Black spot in the middle of the desert? It sounds/seems sketchy and waaaay too visible to not be in collusion with some form of Gov’T. The way the our tryannical empire has behaved in the past of recorded history, it wouldnt be surprising to see some collusion of US/Mexican Gov’t….

      Report Post » Cause4Liberty  
  • ezeewhiz
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:45pm

    Is the wind blowing outta of the southwest? Gonna stand on my back porch!!!

    Report Post »  
  • psalms
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:45pm

    WOW, they managed to find a gigantic patch of green in what appears to be a desert of dirt. Great job.

    Report Post »  
    • RIGHTHOOK
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 8:27am

      This is the MEXICAN Army. Likely a 300 acre crop managed by the General and it was a mediocre crop at best and beyond its ‘freshness date’ so they torch it and replant in hopes of a more productive crop. This is a PR attempt by Mexico to show the USA they are serious about clamping down on illegal drugs. I am not buying this bogus PR ploy.

      Report Post » RIGHTHOOK  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:40pm

    I’m glad they burned it. That stuff is probably soaked with fertilizers.
    Buy domestic!

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:07pm

      @UlyssesP
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:40pm
      ‘Buy domestic!’
      *******************
      Lol, no, I am afraid I have to go all NAFTA on you here! Canadian and Mexican horticulturalists deserve an equal chance to showcase their products to the consumers and compete. Let the Free Market decide.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
  • Baikonur
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:24pm

    Sad so much was destroyed, or any. It is a medicinal herb that helps so many people.

    Report Post » Baikonur  
    • UlyssesP
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:37pm

      Chances are the quality was questionable.

      Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:50pm

      @UlyssesP
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:37pm
      ‘Chances are the quality was questionable.’
      ****************
      Why do you say that? Mexico has a nice climate and hard working people who have a knack for gardening. This was probably a lovely horticultural enterprise.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • JJ Coolay
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Whatever you frikkin stoner!
      The use of medicinal pot versus recreational pot is such a farce!!

      I wonder how many pathetic souls were disheartened by the burning of that trash.

      Burn baby burn!!

      Report Post » JJ Coolay  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:29pm

      Rubbish. I don’t believe dope has any “medicinal” value that real pharmaceuticals don’t. Really Bakey, if there was medicinal value in it, wouldn‘t teh big ol’ eebil drug companies be buying it all up to turn into expensive pills?

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • darkknight91
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:44pm

      I’m with you, JJ. Burn that trash down.

      Report Post » darkknight91  
    • PrfctlyFrank
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:17am

      Difference between Pot and Pharmaceuticals is the ability to grow it yourself, and the inability to overdose on it.. Pot threatens the big pharma interests to death.. It grows easily, and can be adjusted only somewhat for potency.. The fact that it’s even illegal is a joke from the onset, and a lesson in propaganda from Randolph Hearst.. It is neither the savior nor the demon in either argument but it does keep a bazillion dollar industry going by waging “war,” on it for no good reason.. The only lives ever ruined by Marijuana were ruined by the laws making it a crime… Period.

      Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:10pm

    Good!!! Now what they should do is confiscate the land due to its illegal usage and turn it into a sugar cane or corn farm, make positive use of the land and give people jobs and keep that land from being used again illegally….

    Its great to put a stop to something, but nature hates a void and it will fill it, in this case it could turn around again into something illegally used…. so don’t just destroy the illegal pot, put the field to good use…

    Its the same with the GOP in 1994 when they defeated HillaryCare… did they then say “gee, you know we have a lot of issues with our healthcare system, lets rally the free market and push them to make new solutions….” No, the GOP patted itself on the back and went on its merry way, then we got stuck with even worse – Obamacare!!! So now, the same thing — defeat and remove Obamacare, but have ready to drop into place freemarket solutions to replace these hideous, cost overrun disasters in Obamacare! Don’t just remove the problem – have something positive to put in its place once its gone…

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
    • Jedrin
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:58pm

      The land is worthless for any other crop; it probably barely turns a profit with weed. The pot farmers in my area don’t care about this, it isn’t of quality to sell at the dispensary. But I suspect it was grown to be found and the army and organized crime split the bounty from us US taxpayers.

      Report Post »  
  • Bernard
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:03pm

    More wasted money towards a losing war. For as long as there is a demand for Marijuana there will be producers for it. For how many years if not decades we have wasted time and money fighting this drug? and yet the demand, no matter how costly, is going up.
    At least this time it was Mexican money, but by and large it is our taxes that go to fight this losing war. When cigerates and alchohol are legal, both are killers when used regularly can be bought over the counter, then what is the rational behind fighting this drug that has proven to help in many ailments?

    Report Post »  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:32pm

      Well, the same can be said for any illicit product or activity. 5000+ years of attempted civilization and the rule of law haven’t ended murder or theft. Ya think we should just throw up our hands, say “Oh well.” and write all those laws off the books?

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • Cause4Liberty
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:04pm

      Comparing marijuana demand in the US, to murder and theft over a 5000 year period, is absurdly relevant. Murder and Theft is left up to the individuals’ choice of action. Therefore the individual demanded that course of action. Those crimes inflict harm unto others and therefore is illegal. If they were to prohibit alcohol 2mrw, i bet money, you would still purchase some form of alcohol on the black market. Why? Because you would demand it for consumption. But that doesnt inflict harm to others, does it. Gov’t creates black markets. The same goes for marijuana. MJ is alot safer than alcoholism. 2 small reasons: 1: it doesnt destroy your liver. 2: It doesnt make you physically dependent. Most stoners dont kill and steal for the high. Plus, it can be consumed many different ways. Vapor, Edibles, and MJ Alcohol? The market for this natural plant is growing. Also, there are numerous ways to utilize this plant besides consumption. Fact is, the issue isnt going away. Would you rather have the youth poisioned by Mexican cartels through MJ use? Or would you rather stimulate local farming markets who pride themselves on a purified product? Less Toxins = Less potential threat there is for a ‘terrorist attack.’ Tangentlly, Oxycotin is legal, yet people obtain fake perscriptions and become pharma addicts. Dont you think opiates controlled by the Gov, who import resources from Afghan, then manufacture, distribute, and regulate products is a far more important is

      Report Post » Cause4Liberty  
    • Cause4Liberty
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:15pm

      ……..important issue? By the way, im a registered Republican (Tea party). Im anti-progressivism and anti-neocon. Im all about individual freedom and the constitution. So dont resort to slandering me as liberal-progressive-commi-socialist pot head, just because im in favor of decriminalizing MJ. Have a great night!

      Report Post » Cause4Liberty  
  • SheriS
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:01pm

    If drugs are by law illegal, then our government should do everything necessary to stop it! If this stops the cartels from crossing the border killing American citizens it is a good thing! The problem is the US government has their heads stuck in the sand since they are the ones who said our borders are safer then ever before! Our govenment sucks and fits in the STUPID CATEGORY–best example is Napalitono! What an idiot! Starts with the example at the top who still hasn’t a clue how to lead, run a government, or anything to do with governing! NO WONDER WE ARE GOING TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET!

    Report Post »  
    • Jedrin
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:02pm

      Don’t doubt that the US Federal government gets a kick back for every pound that makes it here. There is big money involved. And big excuses to add to the jail population. Think it is normal to have a quarter of a population in jail? That is manufactured, just like cars.

      Report Post »  
  • Secessionista
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:55pm

    What a waste of government resources. At least it wasn’t our military wasting their time burning the crops of farmers…

    Report Post » Secessionista  
    • Jedrin
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:08pm

      They were all driving US Hummers, carrying US rifles, wearing US digital desert. Just coincidence?

      Report Post »  
    • trashtocash
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:33pm

      the military isn’t needed at this point in time—the blistering sun is doing it all on its own

      Report Post »  
  • Outlaw_Josey_Wales
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:53pm

    Some pot heads are going to get down wind of this.

    Report Post » Outlaw_Josey_Wales  
  • chips1
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:47pm

    Why did they have to burn it? We could have sent them some of our illegal aliens to dig them up. We have extras that we aren’t using.

    Report Post »  
  • endgamer
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:47pm

    I got the munchies now.. It’s the 420 cafe for me!!

    Report Post » endgamer  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:47pm

    There are some happy farmers and aniamils down wind of this burning? Good times indeed I would imagine. http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm (new art added)

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • LOOKING_BOTH_WAYS
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:21pm

      Nice art Snow, but why no Black cats, are you a racist ……… I’m kidding
      but seriously, a Calico cat would be interesting

      Report Post »  
  • kindling
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:47pm

    Democrats have proven one thing true. if you tax something enough it goes away. If we make pot legal and tax the hell out of it people will stop smoking it, and stop growing it, and stop killing people for it.

    Report Post » kindling  
    • Countrygirl1362
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:55pm

      I have heard many people that smoke it say that if it became legal they would quit. Guess the thrill would be gone?

      Report Post »  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:42pm

    Headline: Tijuana gets a buzz.

    Report Post »  
  • 80mesh
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:41pm

    good, maybe now us up here on the coast of oryganistan will finally get a summer when global warming sets in after the destruction of 300 acres of carbon sequestration bioform units

    Report Post » 80mesh  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:40pm

    headline: pot heads show up at pot farm burning ready to INHALE.

    Report Post »  
  • 80mesh
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:37pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post » 80mesh  
  • drattastic
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:34pm

    Funny no gas mask at the roasting . I was curious why they bothered to cover the pot field ,it might as well had strobe lights and neon signs saying there is something illegal growing here. Great catch Mex. Army …Duhh. My guess is the General controlling the BUST was on the payroll of the rival faction to destroy the other guys pot. Mexico is beyond corrupt a glimpse of our future 3rd world USA.

    Report Post » drattastic  
  • FlatFoot
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:34pm

    A full 300 acres of marijuana would yield but just 120 pounds of ‘pot’ … and that 120 pounds would have been worth ‘upwards of $160 Million’?

    $1,333,333 – per pound? That’s some uber hellacious potent weed, man!

    Somebody was sitting downwind during that pot burn, and it wasn’t just the soldiers and the Mayor.

    Report Post » FlatFoot  
    • P1gunslinger
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:18pm

      Again fuzzy math from MSNBC! I caught that bad math also, High priced weed is about $350 an OZ here in San Diego.

      Report Post » P1gunslinger  
    • 338lapua
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 3:36pm

      120# per acre would be believable….thats low even by mexican standards, but cook the numbers that way and it may work better. Fuzzy numbers…..MSNBC…..NO! Those folks are right on their game, aren’t they?

      Report Post »  
    • Doodidle
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:25pm

      Each plant can yield about a quarter pound so I am guessing the guy missed quite a few zeros in there.

      Report Post » Doodidle  
  • shirtsbyeric
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:32pm

    They destroyed plants that consume carbon and burned them, releasing carbon. Al Gore must be pissed!

    Report Post »  
  • jacobstroubles
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:26pm

    bla, bla, bla…. they’ll just grow more…
    Have a freaking clue…
    This is a indicative of a world that is with out morals & eithics.
    this pot farm is a insignificant blip on the radar of crime & drugs rada screen.

    Report Post »  
  • AMERICA4EVER
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:26pm

    Just think if you were downwind from that! Just don’t inhale.

    Report Post »  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:22pm

    The shockwaves of this “Grassfire” will be felt all the way up in California!

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:21pm

    And this does what? Drives prices up! We will NEVER STOP pot smoking. Let’s use resources wisely. I‘m not for drinkin’, drugin’ or any of that stuff, BUT LET’S GET REAL!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • momprayn
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:49pm

      RIGHT – yeah, I think I agree & I’m about the most “Conservative” as you get in all areas. I used to think it should be illegal but now I don’t think so. Guess I’ve been listening to Stossel – a Libertarian. He thinks it should be made legal and it would probably end up being more helpful that way than harmful when you consider everything that is involved fighting this… …

      Report Post »  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In