How to Avoid the Police While Guerrilla Growing: Lessons from The Ghost

What to do if Law Enforcement Avoidance Fails… The Ghost

In the world of guerrilla growing, stealth is your primary concern. Avoiding encounters the police involves more than just hiding in the brush; it can require a sophisticated level of psychological blending at times.

I have witnessed many growers over the years who make the fatal mistake of wearing full camouflage. Some even do it proudly….don’t do it! To the trained eye of a police officer, that outfit screams, “I am a guerrilla cannabis grower”. Simply wear normal clothes, but normal clothes that blend into the brush.

To survive as The Ghost, you must understand that if avoidance fails, your persona is your only shield, and one might even need to use psychological manipulation, just as the cops do.

Guerrilla Growing The Art of the “Obvious Reason”

To avoid police while guerrilla growing remember….every single time you venture out to tend your grow, you must have a legitimate, visible reason for being in the wilderness. A vague claim of “just hiking” will not withstand professional scrutiny. Law enforcement officers are trained to observe minutiae.

• The Fisherman: If you carry a pole, ensure your line is wet and a lure is tied on. Ideally, have a fish in hand—it is the ultimate proof of intent.
• The Photographer: Carry a professional camera and adopt the persona of a passionate wildlife photographer. Offer to show them your images and speak with enthusiasm about selling them to magazines.
• The Specialist: Whether you are a trapper or a snake hunter, the secret is to exhibit 100% enthusiasm for the reason you are there and zero concern regarding the officer’s presence.

Remember the golden rule: Loose Lips Sink Ships. If they believe you are a passionate hobbyist, their interest in you may evaporate.

When The Ghost Threw Avoidance Out the Window and Went Hunting for the Law

I once found myself driving down a remote gravel road toward a grow site when I reached a fork. I noticed several vehicles had recently turned right. Rather then turn left to go to my grow I decided to chase them down; if there were several vehicles presence in my territory that day, I needed to know exactly where they were.

I caught up to them at a boat ramp—ten officers in full tactical gear, armed with M-16s. I didn’t hesitate. I pulled right up and asked aggressively, “Wow, what’s going on? Did someone get killed?” This immediately put the lead officer into “explain mode”. When he told me they were eradicating a marijuana grow, I played the part of the shocked citizen: “Cool! People grow that stuff way out here?”

When he asked what I was doing there, I pointed to my fishing pole and said I was trying to catch dinner. His suspicion vanished. I finished the interaction by grumbling about how I wouldn’t fish there now because I didn’t want to get shot….and drove away. Needless to say, I left to come back another day.

The .45 Caliber Encounter: Face-to-Face in the Woods

Avoidance doesn’t always work. I was once deep in the woods—hiking much farther than most growers would (I usually when deep, deeper then others)—when I startled two men in camouflage. One immediately drew a .45 caliber pistol and trained it directly on my face from thirty feet away.

In that moment, I had to decide: are these thieves who will kill me for my crop, or are they law enforcement? Just as I prepared to turn and go thinking they might be thirves, I spotted their badges. A wave of relief washed over me—I wasn’t going to die today.

The lead officer was convinced I was a grower. He grilled me while I sat on a log, but I remained dead calm. I stuck to my fishing story with unwavering confidence.

Ghost Pro Tip: If avoidance fails, always look the officer directly in the eye. Do not offer nervous glances or look at the ground. Confidence is your best defense.

I had a bag of fertilizer in my pack—a major risk.

Pro Tip: Never carry grow supplies on your person; store them at the site.

The officer suddenly grabbed my pack to test my reaction. I stared him right in the face, completely unfazed. He felt the bag of fertilizer through the fabric, I didn’t flinch, he was simply testing me. He gave my pack back unopened.

He spent 45 minutes looking for my tracks while I sat with his partner—a city boy who was clearly terrified of the bugs and the brush. When the lead officer returned empty-handed, he told me I was free to go. I left him with a final bit of “irritated citizen” theater: As I was headed back toward the parking lot, He said “Hey I thought you were going fishing?” And I said ” not going fishing anymore; you’ve ruined my day”.

Conclusion

Surviving an encounter with law enforcement is about discipline and psychology. Whether you are caring for your plants or even scouting for the perfect Guerrilla Grow Site, your behavior can determine your freedom.

I’ve shared these gritty moments to show you how to navigate the worst-case scenario. Do you have a close call or a story from your guerrilla grows? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.