Thousands Of Marijuana Plants Discovered In Nowata County

NewsOn6.com

NOWATA COUNTY -- A hunter and his son tipped off authorities to marijuana growing in a forest, in a remote area east of Nowata.

Nowata County Undersheriff Doug Sonenberg estimates there could be more than 5,000 plants.

On Sunday, authorities continue to search for five men they say showed up to the scene and then ran away once they spotted law enforcement. Authorities believe the five men may be still hiding in the forest.

A Department of Wildlife official spotted the five men around a campsite that had been set up near the growing area.

"They threw their hands up but then took off running," Sonenberg said. The suspects were described as Hispanic males.

The Nowata County Sheriff's Office, Nowata Police and Fire Departments, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Department of Wildlife responded to the scene.

They say they don't know if the men are armed, but do consider them dangerous.

Sonenberg told The News On 6 they found several plots of marijuana plants, and a campsite with tents and irrigation equipment. They are dismantling the campsite Sunday morning.