ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) - U.S. Attorney for Utah David Barlow says the war against marijuana farming in southern Utah being waged by multiple agencies is working.

Barlow says a string of raids has resulted in a sharp reduction in the amount of the drug being cultivated in the region.

The Spectrum of St. George reports Barlow cited statistics showing 13,000 plants were recovered from three farm sites in Washington, Iron and Juab counties this year, down from 106,000 plants recovered from 17 sites in 2010.

Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent in Charge Frank Smith says teamwork between local, state and federal agencies is discouraging Mexican drug cartels that control the cultivation of marijuana plants on public lands.

But Barlow says authorities must remain vigilant to keep pot growers out of Utah.

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