Anti-Marijuana Unit’s Claim Is Tempered

SAN FRANCISCO — Officials of the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting claimed control Friday over illegal pot growers in California, but their announcement was tempered by a U.S. Forest Service report that said law enforcement officials actually may be losing ground in efforts to eradicate growing of the plant.

Campaign officials said they made 88 arrests during the recently concluded season and confiscated 116,580 marijuana plants weighing 474,013 pounds. That was down from a year ago, when they made 147 arrests and confiscated 166,219 plants weighing 817,084 pounds.

“We’re not claiming victory but I think we’re getting control,” said campaign leader head Jack Beecham. He said that pot growers still have the upper hand on about half a million acres.

Campaign spokesman Jim Barrera, in explaining the drop-off in arrests this year, said, “Gardens are smaller, more spread out and harder to find. Also, growers have changed their tactics, but we’re happy with our success to this point.”