Hardee County Sheriff's Office, Wauchula Police Dept., Bowling Green Police Dept., and Zolpho Springs Police Dept. join forces to form the Hardee County Drug Task Force.

$8 Million Bust

       Major A. Lanier carrying plants to the truck. Hardee County
Drug Task Force
pulls $8 million in
marijuana plants
in Hardee field		 Wauchula Police Dept. Chief William Beatty bringing plants to the truck.
        First truck load of marijuana plants leaving the scene. Marijuana plants being transported to trucks via a 4X4. More containers holding marijuana plants found during this bust by Hardee County Drug Task Force.
The operation resulted
in the destruction of
more than 16,000
marijuana plants.		 Det. Chandler surveying the scene during the eradication.      This was one of the
      largest continually
      cultivated marijuana
      fields ever found in
      the state of Florida.
       
Shelters found in the woods that housed the people caring for the marijuana plants.

One man and two women
were arrested and advised
the officers they had been
hired to live in the woods
in provided shelters to
plant and care for the
marijuana plants

 		Shelters found in the woods that housed the people caring for the marijuana plants.
The field was located in
the middle of a wooded
area at the end of a
private road.  A rifle was
also found in one of the
shelters.  		     Briefcase and monies found on the scene. Approximately 65 pounds
of processed marijuana
was discovered and there
was no explanation given
for the more than $1,800
in cash in one arrestee's
possession.