Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens Are Reclaiming America's Wildlands From The Drug Cartels

by John Nores

This isn’t a book about a conflict in a faraway country; it's a wake-up call. While debates about border security continue to rage, and with stories about legal and illegal marijuana in the news daily, Hidden War forces an astonishing dose of reality into the public consciousness. California game warden Lt. John Nores, Jr., now retired, has been at the forefront of an under-reported battle against thousands of Mexican drug cartel members who grow toxic marijuana on U.S. soil, frequently on public lands, and sometimes remarkably close to population centers. Who would guess that this struggle is even going on, or that game wardens are on the front lines? Not only does black market marijuana cultivation undermine legitimate growers, but it endangers lives. The cartels, armed and ready to defend their cash crop, pose a huge threat to hikers, hunters, bikers, bird watchers and everyone else who enjoy public lands and wild places. Further, trespass marijuana growers divert waterways and use banned chemicals that render the plants toxic. And even after these criminals are long gone, they leave behind an environmental disaster that may never be fixed. It's estimated that black market sales of marijuana comprise up to 90% of all weed sales annually. California is at the hub of this problem, and the effects reverberate across the U.S. This is John Nores' personal account of his time leading the elite California Special Operations Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET). Hidden War brings to life the firsthand story of how America’s unsung heroes are fighting to keep our wild lands safe.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Crime, History, Biography, Military Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2019

Reviews

[Michael Guzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a missed opportunity. While I did enjoy reading it, it could have been much better. The enormous detrimental effects to the environment because of illegal marijuana grows are shocking, but the book focuses more on the weapons and tactics of the Marijuana Enforcement Team. The focal point of the book should have been the environmental impact of illegal marijuana grows and the dangers to people who smoke weed tainted with EPA banned chemicals. The book's focus on weapons, training and tactics will not appeal to a large swath of the population.

[Bob Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book, not realizing the problem with illegal grow operations, and the environmental problems that are caused by these grow operations and that these are run by the cartels interesting book. And the amount of money these grow operations generate.

[John Minch · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at conservation, law enforcement, and use of police dogs. The language felt like reading a police report rather than a narrative - towards the end the repeated lists of quantities (pounds of marijuana, linear ft of black poly irrigation pipe removed, tons of fertilizer and pesticides, etc.) Began to feel like I was reading the book of numbers from the old testament. All the same I'd still recommend the read - it's such an unusual reality being described compared with what most people do 9 to 5 that it can't help but be interesting in my opinion.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished Trail of the Lost: The Relentless Search to Bring Home the Missing Hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail and one of the possibilities brought up is that one or more of the missing hikers stumbled into an illegal grow site and met with a violent end at the hands of the criminals. (There is no evidence that this happened, it was just floated by some hikers/trail angels as a possibility for the disappearances.) So, because it was a logical next book and it was short (so I can get to my other library books before the loan period ends), I decided to take Hidden War: How Special Operations Game Wardens Are Reclaiming America's Wildlands From The Drug Cartels out of my mountainous TBR.

This book is...honestly more than a little disappointing. It feels the author is trying to emphasize that special operations game wardens do really valuable work because the ecological damage wrought by illegal trespass grows is enormous (not to mention that the growers are often violent in protecting their crop), but keeps derailing the point of the book talking at length about the ins and outs of various operations. I have minimal interest in hearing a play-by-play of exactly how a raid went down, let along multiple times. What this book could have done - what it tried to do, just badly - is be a super intense military account at the same time as a call to action for those who want to protect wilderness areas and those who depend on them (which is everyone).

And that's without the issue of the author's immigration policy rant in chapter nine. Even though he very specifically acknowledges that California's 'sanctuary' does not protect violent persons, he goes on a multi paragraph...rant is the only word I have for it...about how that legislation somehow prevents them from prosecuting or deporting growers who pull guns on his team. Someone trying to kill you is the very definition of violent, so I don't see a reason why he insists that California is actively sabotaging his team's efforts and putting them in danger. This whole thing just sounds like he deliberately tried to shoehorn in an inflammatory issue with some bad hot takes.

All in all, the theme of the book - that illegal grows are hugely ecologically damaging and need to be dealt with - is super important, I just wish this was a better book to educate and discuss them.

[Ultimate World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Hidden War (2nd Edition) by Lt. John Nores, Jr.

Hidden War (2nd Edition) is a gripping, eye-opening account of a battle most Americans don’t even realize is happening on their own public lands. Lt. John Nores, Jr. pulls back the curtain on the dangerous, highly specialized world of special operations game wardens—elite teams fighting cartel-run marijuana grows that threaten people, wildlife, and fragile ecosystems across the country.

This updated edition expands on Nores’s original 2019 book, offering fresh insight, new operations, and an even clearer picture of the environmental and human cost of black-market grows. Nores combines boots-on-the-ground storytelling with investigative depth, taking readers deep into California’s forests where armed cartel members guard toxic grow sites and leave behind destruction that affects waterways, wildlife populations, and entire communities.

The book’s strength lies in its authenticity. Nores doesn’t sensationalize—he reports. Through detailed mission accounts, tactical breakdowns, and moments of real danger, he illustrates the courage and expertise required of the special operations game wardens who step into harm’s way to reclaim America’s wildlands. He also highlights a side of the marijuana debate rarely discussed, showing how illegal grows persist—and thrive—even after legalization, leaving devastation in their wake.

At once a call to action and a powerful tribute to the men and women protecting America’s natural heritage, Hidden War is an essential read for conservationists, law-enforcement enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the unseen battles being fought to protect the places we assume are safe.
Intense, informative, and undeniably relevant, this second edition deepens the conversation and refuses to let readers look away from the hidden war happening in our own backyard.

[Claira.Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

In depth overview on the Mexican Cartels illegal marijuana grown operations in the US, specifically near Santa Cruz, CA. With 80% of the growers captured being illegal immigrants, it’s impossible to understand why CA has passed laws that prevent police and other federal agencies from working with ICE to deport them. For a state that desires to be eco-friendly, why pass laws that protect those who actively poison water ways and destroy natural resources? Using the word “poison” isn’t an exaggeration when the fertilizers used are banned in the US and majority of Europe due to causing cancer.

That being said, I LOVED the focus on canine Phebe. 100+ bite take downs and 900 apprehensions…..what a badass!

[Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a California resident during the time of some of these initial operations, I was shocked to learn how how physically close I was to some of these grows in the Emerald Triangle.

My father wanted to be a wildlife officer, and as an avid hunter and angler, I have always appreciated the beauty of nature and healthy conservation.

I was fascinated learning about the specifics of their gear and armament.

Strongly encourage anyone interested in conservation, law enforcement, and illegal immigration with marijuana.

[Anthony Falso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. I learned a lot while reading this. Prima facie, the legalisation of marijuana should be making illegal grow operations redundant. However that's far from the truth and the impacts are long reaching. This is well written. (NB: John Nores also gave an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience which was quite informative as an overview to the situation.)

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

The untold story of wildlife law enforcement's war against illegal marijuana cultivation, and how the trade devastates public lands. It recounts the sacrifices made by officers (and their K-9 partners) during the formative years of California wildland weed enforcement. Heart-warming, inspiring, and informative.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to the massively detrimental effects these illegal DTO grows have on our wild lands and state and federal parks and the nature that calls it home. The side story of Phoebe the fur missile was heartwarming and harrowing at the same time too. For anyone interested in wild land conservation and/or in law enforcement, I’d recommend you read/listen to this book.

[Christine McIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good immersion into what these wardens go through and why and how. It was informative. The missions were cool. They have to have such diverse skill sets in order to do their jobs.

I didn't realized the environmental destruction involved with illegal grow sites. Slow and weak legislation hinders their work. We obviously need heavier sentences for growers.

Quick, interesting read.

[Matthew Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta respect the game wardens who lay down the law on environmental criminals. How they do that is surprisingly intense. Change some of the place names and this could be a collection of operations by special forces in Afghanistan.

[Erika Herman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and devastating documentary on all that the illegal marijuana trade effects in our world. Had I not read this I would have no concept of all that the illegal growing effects including wildlife, water etc. It did get a little repetitive

[Luis Contreras-Vidal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting topic but poorly written. The book oscillated between trying to be a journalism book to to be a cop novel.
Besides that, kudos to the author for bringing to light the environmental impact of the ilegal grow of marihuana in public lands.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting reading about my neighbors.

[Chris Desirey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard John on the Meateater podcast and thought this would be an interesting read. While I’d give him 5 stars for his commitment to environmental conservation the book was a bit bland.

[G Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting.

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book about the hidden side of game warden operations in our national wildlands against illegal cartel drug growing operations.

[Chuckdee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A totally new perspective for me