BEND, OR -- The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) is warning outdoor enthusiasts of the risks involved with stumbling upon illegal marijuana grows on public lands this summer.

Ken Mannix with CODE tells KBND that drug traffickers have zeroed in on Central Oregon because of the climate, and the danger has increased as weather warms. "Drug trafficking organizations have targeted not only Central Oregon, but also Oregon for a number of years. It's fairly common for them to come in and set up plantations for grows both on public and private land throughout Central Oregon."

Mannix says if you come across a marijuana operation, be careful. "The majority of the outdoor marijuana grows that we've investigated over the past five to six years, there's always been some sort of evidence of firearms in those camps. It's fairly common," he says. "So, obviously, the concern there is with the public out recreating and being put in that position. That's why we don't want them to act on anything, but back out and call law enforcement."