Shasta County, California – Interstate 5, the main north–south artery running through Northern California, has become one of the most heavily used routes for large-scale illegal marijuana trafficking along the West Coast, according to local and county law enforcement officials.
Authorities in Shasta and Siskiyou counties say some of the biggest marijuana seizures in the coastal United States are taking place along this stretch of highway, as criminal networks move illegal cannabis products between California’s Central Valley, Oregon, and Washington.
Why Interstate 5 Is a Prime Target
Law enforcement officials say Interstate 5 offers a direct and efficient route for traffickers moving illegal marijuana north, while cash proceeds flow back south.
“Drugs move north and the money goes south,” said Lt. Chris Van Eyck, who oversees the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office marijuana eradication team. He added that while most marijuana travels northward, some illegal product also moves from Oregon back into California.
Interstate 5’s high traffic volume and its connection to multiple states make it attractive to organized criminal groups seeking to blend into everyday commercial and holiday travel.
Major Busts in Siskiyou County
Siskiyou County deputies reported some of their largest marijuana seizures during Thanksgiving week traffic stops, when highways are especially busy and enforcement activity is heightened.
According to officials, those busts were not isolated incidents. Deputies have also intercepted multiple large-scale marijuana transports during the summer harvest season, when illegal grows reach peak production.
These seizures often involve thousands of pounds of unlicensed marijuana, packaged for distribution far outside California’s legal cannabis market.
Criminal Networks and Rural Impact
Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sage Milestone said Interstate 5 is central to a broad range of criminal activity, not limited to drug trafficking.
“Criminal networks rely on Interstate 5 for a wide array of illegal activities trafficking people, money, drugs or weapons across state and international borders, which brings sizable criminal enterprises to rural counties such as Siskiyou,” Milestone said.
She added that the majority of the county’s major narcotics seizures occur along Interstate 5 or Highway 97, highlighting how rural areas have become frontline enforcement zones for interstate crime.
Why Illegal Marijuana Still Moves Through California
Despite California’s legal cannabis industry, illegal marijuana trafficking remains lucrative. Law enforcement officials point to several factors driving the underground market:
- Avoidance of state taxes and regulations
- Higher profit margins in states with stricter cannabis laws
- Lower production costs at unlicensed grow sites
- Demand in out-of-state markets
Illegal operations often exploit remote land, limited oversight, and rural infrastructure to grow, transport, and distribute cannabis outside the regulated system.
Risks to Communities and Drivers
Officials warn that marijuana trafficking along Interstate 5 poses risks beyond drug distribution. Traffic stops tied to drug busts have uncovered:
- Large sums of cash
- Firearms and weapons
- Human trafficking indicators
- Environmental damage tied to illegal grows
High-speed pursuits, impaired drivers, and heavily loaded vehicles also increase safety concerns for everyday motorists traveling through Northern California.
Federal Funding Uncertainty Looms
While local agencies continue to focus on enforcement, officials warn that their efforts could face setbacks. A federal grant program that provides funding to Siskiyou, Shasta, Trinity, and other counties combating illegal drug pipelines may see reduced funding in 2026, depending on Congress’ final federal budget decisions.
These grants help pay for:
- Multi-agency task forces
- Overtime patrols
- Specialized drug enforcement teams
- Equipment and training
Law enforcement leaders say losing funding would significantly strain already limited rural resources.
Ongoing Enforcement Efforts
Despite funding concerns, agencies say they will continue aggressive enforcement along Interstate 5, especially during peak travel periods such as holidays and harvest seasons.
Sheriff’s offices emphasize cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies as a key factor in intercepting large-scale trafficking operations before drugs reach broader distribution networks.
What Drivers Should Know
Authorities urge drivers traveling Interstate 5 to remain alert and report suspicious activity, including:
- Vehicles making frequent lane changes to avoid patrols
- Convoys of vehicles traveling together
- Vans or trucks with heavily covered cargo areas
Tips from the public continue to play a role in identifying trafficking patterns.
Conclusion
Interstate 5’s role as a major transportation artery has also made it a focal point for illegal marijuana trafficking in Northern California. As criminal networks adapt and enforcement resources face uncertainty, Shasta and Siskiyou counties remain on the front lines of a complex and evolving drug pipeline that affects both rural communities and the broader West Coast.
If you travel this corridor or live in the region, share your experiences in the comments below.
