#1340 - John Nores

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  John's Transformation from Game Warden to Cartel Investigator

  • John's initial role as a game warden involves enforcing rules and regulations related to fishing and hunting
  • Unexpectedly, he discovers illegal marijuana grow operations conducted by cartels on public and private lands
  • Encounter with armed cartel members changes John's perspective and prompts him to involve other agencies for large-scale eradication operations
• 00:01:50

  Environmental Impact of Illegal Grow Ops and Lack of Reclamation Efforts

  • Discovery of large-scale environmental damage caused by toxic substances used in illegal marijuana cultivation
  • Absence of proper reclamation efforts to address the environmental impact, leaving waterways polluted and habitats destroyed
  • John's realization of the urgent need for game wardens to take proactive measures in protecting natural resources against such environmental disasters
• 00:10:42

  War in the Woods Book: Learning Experience with Sheriff's Department and Cartel Eradication Mission

  • First book 'War in the Woods' details ad hoc collaboration with sheriff's department
  • Focus on eradicating cartel-grow operations along with environmental damages
  • Discussion on lack of involvement from conservation agencies in environmental cleanup
• 00:13:20

  Partner Gunfight in Silicon Valley: Intense Standoff and Environmental Dangers

  • Engagement in intense gunfight with armed cartel members defending marijuana plantation
  • Partner gets critically injured in the gunfight, highlighting extreme danger
  • Realization of environmental damages from illegal marijuana cultivation and toxic pesticides
• 00:20:50

  California's Black Market: A Nationwide Enterprise

  • California's Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for both legal and illegal weed cultivation.
  • Black market activities, including human trafficking and drug production, are interconnected nationwide.
  • Challenges faced by California Game Wardens in combating illegal activities like human trafficking and drug operations.
• 00:23:30

  Punji Pit Threats and Disguises: Protecting Wildlife and People

  • Discovery of punji pits with toxic substances targeting individuals, including law enforcement and civilians.
  • Use of various traps and hazards, such as punji pits, to deter and harm individuals in public areas.
  • Innovative tactics used by illegal operators, such as disguising tracks with cow hooves to avoid detection.
• 00:30:21

  Tahoe Ranch: A Private Hunting Ranch and Cartel Growers

  • Private hunting ranch Tahoe and Ranch, spanning 270,000 acres, discovered a cartel-operated grow site by employees stumbling upon it.
  • Shift seen in the spread of cartel growers from public lands to private hunting clubs like the Silicon Valley's Tahoe Ranch.
  • Incidents of hikers and hunters being shot at by cartel growers, highlighting the danger and spread of illegal activities.
• 00:31:07

  R Specialized Team's Efforts and Impact on Cartel Grow Operations

  • Establishment of R Specialized Team improved documentation and tracking of cartel grow operations in California.
  • Team observed a 50-50 split between public and private land presence of cartel growers by the time of retirement.
  • Significant efforts made to eradicate cartel grow sites, with an average of 125 missions and challenges faced due to toxic substances used.
• 00:40:29

  Illegal Wildlife Trade: From Gallbladders to Cartel Operations

  • Discussing the lucrative black market trade of exotic animal parts like gallbladders and rhino horns
  • Highlighting the challenges faced by game wardens dealing with illegal wildlife trafficking
  • Detailing the emergence of specialized units and tactical teams to combat cartel threats in California
• 00:42:14

  Dangerous Confrontations: Gang Bangers and Illegal Fishing Operations

  • Recalling intense encounters with armed gang members engaging in illegal hunting and fishing activities
  • Describing solo operations to apprehend heavily armed individuals, including encounters with AK-47s
  • Discussing the limited resources and vast patrol areas game wardens must cover, highlighting the challenges faced in enforcement
• 00:49:37

  Spotlighting Wildlife Poachers

  • Learning strategies to catch wildlife poachers by observation and scouting.
  • Adapting to the area as a game warden through trial and error.
  • Using communication devices like cell phones to coordinate with partners during patrols.
• 00:50:25

  Challenges and Solutions in Wildlife Protection

  • Facing difficulties in patrolling vast areas while tracking poachers.
  • Maintaining covert operations to catch criminals in the act.
  • Balancing enforcement with empathy towards individuals driven by necessity to poach.
• 00:58:39

  Regulating Cartel Pesticides & Black Market Cannabis

  • Advocating for safe pesticide practices and preventing cartel involvement in pesticides
  • Emphasizing the need for uniform regulations in the cannabis industry
  • Challenges faced in regulating black market cannabis and the hurdles in transitioning to legal market
• 00:59:34

  Law Enforcement Engagement with Cannabis Growers

  • Building bridges between law enforcement and legitimate cannabis growers
  • Shift in perspective from adversary to collaborator in promoting industry safety
  • Positive responses from growers towards regulation and environmental conservation
• 01:08:28

  Discussion with Mike Baker and Ed Calderon on Open Borders and Illegal Drug Trade

  • Toxically tainted cannabis related to smuggling and human trafficking.
  • Ed Calderon's chilling stories highlight extreme crime and violence in Mexico.
  • The need for regulation and the ineffectiveness of open borders due to uneven global conditions.
• 01:09:26

  The Impact of Legalizing Marijuana on Crime and Conservation Efforts

  • Legalizing marijuana could reduce crime and protect wildlife.
  • Preserving open spaces is vital for future generations.
  • Allocation of resources from legalizing marijuana can benefit schools and infrastructure.
• 01:10:16

  Environmental Crimes, Enforcement Challenges, and On-going Legal Battles

  • Environmental crimes related to illegal drug trade and wildlife preservation.
  • Challenges in prosecuting criminals due to diluted laws and sympathetic juries.
  • Issues with deporting cartel members and the cycle of re-offending.
• 01:11:16

  Impact of Illegal Activities on Society and Solutions

  • Illegal activities contribute to social problems and hinder positive development.
  • Allocating money from legalizing drugs to support education and infrastructure.
  • Embedded cartel operations in the nation and the need for stricter penalties.
• 01:12:26

  Criminal Enterprise Embedded in the Country and Law Enforcement Challenges

  • Cartel operations deeply entrenched within the country.
  • Law enforcement facing challenges in prosecuting and deporting criminals.
  • Environmental crimes used to elevate charges against cartel members.
• 01:13:34

  Prosecution Challenges, Corruption, and Persistent Criminal Activity

  • Challenges in prosecuting cartel-related crimes due to minimal penalties.
  • Corruption leading to lack of convictions and re-offending of criminals.
  • Frequent encounters with cartel growers and ineffective legal repercussions.
• 01:17:47

  Boat Found with $18 Million Worth of Weed

  • Illegal demand drives profitable illegal operations
  • Challenges of illegal drug sales and associated criminal activities
  • Issues related to drug trafficking and lack of community outreach
• 01:18:44

  Impact of Drug Trade on Cartel Members

  • Life struggles of individuals in drug cartels
  • Lack of legal avenues for cartel members to escape criminal life
  • Role of law enforcement in tackling drug trafficking operations
• 01:27:34

  Phoebe's Heroic Action: Saving Lives in Santa Clara County

  • Phoebe, a canine, saved the lives of the narrator, Brian, and other operators by engaging an armed individual in Silicon Valley.
  • The incident highlighted the vital role played by the dogs in saving lives during operations.
  • The narrator shares a detailed account of the episode and the importance of Phoebe's timely intervention.
• 01:28:50

  Environmental Reclamation Efforts and Cartel Deterrence

  • The establishment and challenges faced by a dedicated team for environmental reclamation in wildlife conservation.
  • Efforts made by law enforcement to reclaim waterways and restore natural habitats after dismantling illegal grow sites.
  • Impact of reclamation on disrupting cartel operations and deterring them due to the extensive efforts required for reinvestment.
• 01:36:56

  Mike's Transformational Decision: Transition to Full-Time Operations

  • Resistance initially from middle management and executive staffers
  • Documented success during the three-month test program
  • Ordered full-time operations by January 1st, 2014, with new team structure and approach
• 01:39:09

  Insights from Cartel Member: Operations, Secrecy, and Validation

  • Challenges in obtaining information due to organization's secrecy
  • Insights from a cartel member revealed strategic information and validated known facts
  • Emphasis on multi-pronged approach for apprehension, eradication, and reclamation
• 01:46:09

  Hunting Predators for Wildlife Conservation

  • Discusses the importance of hunting predators like coyotes to maintain balance in ecosystems
  • Highlights the role of hunters and conservationists in managing wildlife populations
  • Mentions the positive impact of hunting tags and recreational firearm sales on preserving wild lands and wildlife populations
• 01:48:29

  Story of Generations in Tule Elk Hunting

  • Narrates a heartwarming story of a 70-year-old hunter education instructor getting a rare tule elk tag and hunting with four generations
  • Describes the successful conservation efforts that led to the recovery of elk populations in specific regions
  • Emphasizes the role of hunting in maintaining healthy wildlife populations and sustaining ecosystems
• 01:55:43

  Inspiring Earth Warriors and Outreach Efforts

  • Book two reaches diverse audience including hunters, conservationists, and cannabis community
  • The introduction of 'Earth Warriors' concept by Northern California growers
  • Focus on protecting, informing, and unifying through outreach
• 01:56:57

  Documentary 'Altered State' and Collaborations

  • Collaboration with filmmaker Lou Doros on a documentary for Planet Cannabis Entertainment Network
  • Objective storytelling with no content control issues
  • Involvement with legitimate growers and law enforcement in the production