DECKERS, Colo. -- The Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office has released photos showing the removal of $2.5 million of marijuana from Pike National Forest two weeks ago.

On July 9, West Metro Task Force members and deputies spent more than 24 hours clearing a marijuana growing operation near Cheesman Reservoir. Over 5,100 marijuana plants were collected, weighing nearly 2,000 pounds.

They said the marijuana had an estimated street value of $2.5 million.

Jacki Kelley, spokeswoman for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, said the operation stretched over three-fourths of a mile and had an elaborate irrigation system. Kelley said each of the plants had an individual drip line that was attached to a sprinkler pipe for irrigation.

Colorado Air National Guard Black Hawk helicopters were used to lift bundles of marijuana out of the forest to a road where the plants could be loaded into vehicles for removal.

Jefferson County deputies were alerted after a rancher on horseback stumbled across the marijuana field while looking for stray cattle. Investigators were unable to find anyone in the area but found a shack containing food, clothing, sleeping bags, and cooking utensils.

Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 303-271-5612.