CJNG’s Massive Marijuana Plantation Uncovered in Jalisco Mountains, Worth Millions

Mascota, Jalisco – In a sweeping operation, military forces from the 41st Military Zone in Puerto Vallarta uncovered and dismantled a large marijuana plantation believed to belong to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This discovery is part of an ongoing effort to dismantle drug production networks in the region controlled by one of Mexico’s most powerful and dangerous cartels.

The plantation, hidden in the remote and rugged mountains near Mascota, Jalisco, was found during a routine reconnaissance mission. Military officials estimate the site housed approximately 40,000 fully grown marijuana plants. Covering 10,000 square meters—roughly the size of two football fields—the plantation was thriving in the isolation, with plants reaching an average height of two meters.

The Value of the Bust

This discovery could deal a significant financial blow to the CJNG. Based on conservative estimates, a single marijuana plant can produce up to one kilogram of product, which, when sold on the black market, could fetch between $500 and $1,000 USD per kilogram, depending on its quality and destination. With 40,000 plants at that rate, the value of the crop could range from $20 million to $40 million USD.

A Strategic Hideout

The plantation’s secluded location, just three to four kilometers from Mascota, likely helped it remain undetected for an extended period, allowing the cartel to operate quietly while growing a substantial crop. The Mexican military acted swiftly upon discovering the site, moving in to destroy the plants by burning them—a standard procedure in eradication efforts. The goal is to ensure the crop is completely unusable.

Despite the successful destruction of the plantation, no arrests were made as the area was deserted by the time troops arrived. Officials believe that CJNG’s operatives, aware of the military’s growing presence in the region, abandoned the site, leaving it in disarray.

Contextualizing the Discovery

To give a clearer sense of the scale, the 10,000 square meters of cultivated marijuana could cover roughly two football fields, while the average two-meter height of the plants is comparable to the height of a basketball hoop. This massive operation underscores the sheer scale of the CJNG’s involvement in drug production and trafficking, both of which fuel their violent reign in Jalisco and beyond.

This latest bust is a testament to the Mexican Army’s continued efforts to disrupt drug cultivation and organized crime in Mexico’s mountainous regions, particularly areas dominated by CJNG. By targeting the financial backbone of the cartel, authorities hope to weaken their influence and curtail the violence that stems from their operations.