A Mexican national has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for growing marijuana in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Fidel Sanchez-Cruz was the leader of the grow in Trinity County near Highway 36 that was raided in August of 2018. Drug agents eradicated 6,575 plants and found a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson with an obliterated serial number, pellet rifles, and ammunition. Sanchez-Cruz oversaw the operation from a distance, while two other co-defendants lived at the grow site from April to August 2018. According to an environmental report, scientists found and documented extensive environmental damage, including the use and disposal of bottles of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals. The hazardous wastes found at the grow site included Carbofuran. The report found that over 14.25 Million Gallons of water were illegally diverted at the grow site. Fidel-Sanchez was ordered to pay over $19,300 in restitution for the environmental damage.One Fidel-Sanchez’s co-defendants was sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in prison, while the other man was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years in prison.