Part 3/15:
His first direct encounter with this shadowy world came in 2004. During a routine water inspection in a pristine creek ecosystem inhabited by endangered species like steelhead trout and yellow-legged frogs, Norris and his biologist partner stumbled upon a clandestine marijuana plantation. Short plants, less than two feet tall—early in the season—covered the creek and its surrounding hills.
What made the discovery chilling was the armed presence of growers. They were heavily armed with rifles, handguns, and knives, and working their plants under threat. Norris and his team, unarmed and alone, had to hide behind creek banks to avoid detection—an experience that profoundly shifted his perception of the threats faced during wildlife enforcement.