DNE warns farmers and hunters to watch out for fields of pot - KWWL

The Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement is asking for help to shut down large outdoor marijuana grow operations.

Two large growing operations were found in Iowa recently.

The DNE says 3,850 marijuana plants were destroyed at the Taylor County location and 571 plants were destroyed at the Decatur County location.

These operations were in dense timber areas, and officials believe the landowners were not aware that growers were squatting there.

They are asking for land owners, farm workers, and hunters to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

"If someone were to come upon on of these marijuana grows, or what appears to be the remnants of a grow, we'd ask them to back out of that area," Narcotics Enforcement Assistant Director Kevin Winker said. "Then get to a safe place and contact local law enforcement and let them know what they've seen."

If you see anything suspicious, call your local authorities.