TEMECULA - A federal drug charge was filed today against a trucker who allegedly had 14-plus tons of marijuana with a street value of about $25 million in his rig when he was pulled over for a traffic violation on Interstate 15.
Angel Guillen-Raya, who was taken into custody on Wednesday, was due in a federal courtroom in Riverside this afternoon on one count of drug possession with intent to distribute.
The suspect allegedly told authorities he had transported a truckful of marijuana to Ontario earlier in the week, and the confiscated shipment was also bound for that San Bernardino County city.
A sheriff's patrol deputy pulled the driver over about 9 a.m. Wednesday on northbound I-15, just past the Rainbow Canyon Road exit south of Temecula.
According to U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Patrick Brown, who works with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the driver had been following another big rig too closely.
"As Deputy (Glen) Warrington was driving up alongside the subject vehicle, the subject vehicle changed lanes and almost collided with Deputy Warrington's vehicle," Brown wrote in an affidavit.
The deputy stopped the driver for making an illegal lane change and asked him for paperwork, which he could not provide, Brown said.
As the deputy spoke with Guillen-Raya, another deputy with a dog pulled up and the canine alerted them to the presence of drugs, according to the agent.
A search of the truck revealed numerous boxes filled with plastic-wrapped bricks of a green leafy substance that turned out to be marijuana, Brown said.
The boxes were lined up on pallets and, according to Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez, the contraband was "stacked from front to back -- solid."
Gutierrez said it was the largest confiscation of marijuana in the history of the Riverside County Sheriff Department.
He said the cannabis is estimated to have a wholesale value of more than $10 million and a street value of about $25 million.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Police discover home filled with 150 marijuana plants
Vallejo police officers responding Tuesday to a reported home invasion stumbled instead upon an alleged drug house filled with about 150 marijuana plants.
No one was found in the home in the 400 block of Diana Drive after officers entered the residence for a welfare check around 11:30 a.m., Police Lt. Abel Tenorio said.
Nor were there were signs of forced entry around a window in the back of the house, Tenorio said.
A passerby called 911 just before 10 a.m. and said three black males with weapons were trying to force their way into the home from the backyard, Tenorio said.
Officers responded within three minutes and staked the residence out, with the department's black "Peacekeeper" tank providing cover.
But after numerous unanswered phone calls to the residence, police forcibly entered it. Neighbors said a Hispanic family lived there, Tenorio said.
Officers thought there might be hostages in the home, he said.
There was little furniture inside but plenty of marijuana plants, indicating the location may be just a drug house, Tenorio said.
Narcotics officers responded and were obtaining a search warrant, Tenorio said, though he did not know if they had gotten the warrant by mid-afternoon.
Lt. Jim O'Connell said people should keep an eye out for boarded up homes where people are coming in and out at odd hours -- possible signs that the residence is a drug house.
No one was arrested and police so far do not have any suspects.
No one was found in the home in the 400 block of Diana Drive after officers entered the residence for a welfare check around 11:30 a.m., Police Lt. Abel Tenorio said.
Nor were there were signs of forced entry around a window in the back of the house, Tenorio said.
A passerby called 911 just before 10 a.m. and said three black males with weapons were trying to force their way into the home from the backyard, Tenorio said.
Officers responded within three minutes and staked the residence out, with the department's black "Peacekeeper" tank providing cover.
But after numerous unanswered phone calls to the residence, police forcibly entered it. Neighbors said a Hispanic family lived there, Tenorio said.
Officers thought there might be hostages in the home, he said.
There was little furniture inside but plenty of marijuana plants, indicating the location may be just a drug house, Tenorio said.
Narcotics officers responded and were obtaining a search warrant, Tenorio said, though he did not know if they had gotten the warrant by mid-afternoon.
Lt. Jim O'Connell said people should keep an eye out for boarded up homes where people are coming in and out at odd hours -- possible signs that the residence is a drug house.
No one was arrested and police so far do not have any suspects.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Troopers find 138 pounds of marijuana
HAMILTON COUNTY — Two separate traffic stops over the weekend in Hamilton County led to the seizure of 138 pounds of marijuana and the arrests of four individuals.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol stopped a Volvo S8, eastbound on Interstate 80 near the Giltner interchange. An NSP canine alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the rear of the vehicle. A probable cause search led to the seizure of 133 pounds of marijuana, which was located in duffel bags in the trunk of the vehicle.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, 33-year-old Jamie Day, of Astoria, N.Y., was lodged in the Hamilton County Jail on a charge of possession with the intent to deliver, a Class 3 felony.
A traffic stop near the same location at 2 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 21, resulted in the seizure of five pounds of marijuana and the arrest of the vehicle’s three occupants. The trooper stopped an eastbound 2007 Mitsubishi Montero for an inoperable taillight. A probable cause search of the vehicle led to seizure of the marijuana.
The marijuana, packaged in 13 individual bags, was located in the rear of the vehicle. A .40 caliber semi automatic handgun was also located in a backpack.
The driver of the vehicle, 22-year-old Nicholas Smith of Mariposa, Calif., and two passengers in the vehicle, 26-year-old Kristopher Vernard, of Gladstone, Mo., and 27-year-old Eric Varvel, of Kansas City, Mo., were lodged in the Hamilton County Jail, each on charges of possession with the intent to deliver and possession of a weapon during a drug transaction. Varvel was also jailed on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
Shortly after 1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol stopped a Volvo S8, eastbound on Interstate 80 near the Giltner interchange. An NSP canine alerted to the odor of drugs coming from the rear of the vehicle. A probable cause search led to the seizure of 133 pounds of marijuana, which was located in duffel bags in the trunk of the vehicle.
The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, 33-year-old Jamie Day, of Astoria, N.Y., was lodged in the Hamilton County Jail on a charge of possession with the intent to deliver, a Class 3 felony.
A traffic stop near the same location at 2 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 21, resulted in the seizure of five pounds of marijuana and the arrest of the vehicle’s three occupants. The trooper stopped an eastbound 2007 Mitsubishi Montero for an inoperable taillight. A probable cause search of the vehicle led to seizure of the marijuana.
The marijuana, packaged in 13 individual bags, was located in the rear of the vehicle. A .40 caliber semi automatic handgun was also located in a backpack.
The driver of the vehicle, 22-year-old Nicholas Smith of Mariposa, Calif., and two passengers in the vehicle, 26-year-old Kristopher Vernard, of Gladstone, Mo., and 27-year-old Eric Varvel, of Kansas City, Mo., were lodged in the Hamilton County Jail, each on charges of possession with the intent to deliver and possession of a weapon during a drug transaction. Varvel was also jailed on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
Strong odor in car leads to marijuana bricks, arrest
An Indiana man found sleeping in his car was taken into custody Monday after a Yavapai County Sheriff's deputy smelled a strong odor of marijuana and eventually found nearly a dozen bricks of the drug inside the vehicle, authorities said.
William Wilkinson, 54, told authorities he stopped to rest on his way back to Indiana from Phoenix, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. The vehicle was found off the roadway at the Coldwater Road on-ramp to the Interstate 17 on Thursday.
When asked about the odor, Wilkinson apparently said that his brother, whom he had been visiting, "had smoked a joint" in the car earlier that day, according to a sheriff's department press release. When the deputy said the odor was particularly strong, Wilkinson said that his brother had smoked "two joints."
William Wilkinson, 54, told authorities he stopped to rest on his way back to Indiana from Phoenix, according to the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office. The vehicle was found off the roadway at the Coldwater Road on-ramp to the Interstate 17 on Thursday.
When asked about the odor, Wilkinson apparently said that his brother, whom he had been visiting, "had smoked a joint" in the car earlier that day, according to a sheriff's department press release. When the deputy said the odor was particularly strong, Wilkinson said that his brother had smoked "two joints."
Fire leads to marijuana grow-op
Barrie police accidentally uncovered a marijuana grow operation after city firefighters were called to the neighbouring home, early Sunday morning.
The fire call came in around 12:30 a. m. for a blaze at 49 Athabaska Rd., near Mapleview Drive West and Essa Road. The blaze severely damaged that home, but also burned the exterior of the residence on the east side.
Firefighters arrived to find the occupants of 49 Athabaska Rd., as well as the family dog, had exited the home safely.
First and foremost, a fire department's duty is to protect life and property, Barrie police Sgt. Robert Allan said.
"Before they leave a scene, they have to check to make sure that any risk is gone," Allan said, which is why they entered 51 Athabaska Rd., too.
Firefighters allegedly found a marijuana grow operation in the basement.
The fire department informed police of their discovery and a search warrant was executed Sunday afternoon. Officers found 80 marijuana plants, worth an estimated $80,000.
"We take it anyway we can get it," Allan said of the chance discovery. "Eighty plants is a good seizure for your run-of-the-mill, average home. It's definitely not personal use, which we do see sometimes."
Allan said people must know the dangers of residential growops.
"There's also a risk to the community," he said. "A lot of these (grow-op) houses are fly-bynighters that are often improperly wired or booby-trapped."
The police investigation continues and charges are pending.
The fire call came in around 12:30 a. m. for a blaze at 49 Athabaska Rd., near Mapleview Drive West and Essa Road. The blaze severely damaged that home, but also burned the exterior of the residence on the east side.
Firefighters arrived to find the occupants of 49 Athabaska Rd., as well as the family dog, had exited the home safely.
First and foremost, a fire department's duty is to protect life and property, Barrie police Sgt. Robert Allan said.
"Before they leave a scene, they have to check to make sure that any risk is gone," Allan said, which is why they entered 51 Athabaska Rd., too.
Firefighters allegedly found a marijuana grow operation in the basement.
The fire department informed police of their discovery and a search warrant was executed Sunday afternoon. Officers found 80 marijuana plants, worth an estimated $80,000.
"We take it anyway we can get it," Allan said of the chance discovery. "Eighty plants is a good seizure for your run-of-the-mill, average home. It's definitely not personal use, which we do see sometimes."
Allan said people must know the dangers of residential growops.
"There's also a risk to the community," he said. "A lot of these (grow-op) houses are fly-bynighters that are often improperly wired or booby-trapped."
The police investigation continues and charges are pending.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
18 Marijuana Grow-Ops Linked To Toronto Store
Police have dismantled 18 marijuana growing operations they claim were connected to one Toronto store.
Authorities arrested three people in connection to the web of grow-ops and seized about 8,000 pot plants worth an estimated $8 million. There were 18 illegal drug growing outfits in total which investigators allege were all connected to a Toronto business that sold equipment needed to cultivate marijuana indoors.
An anonymous tipster told York Regional Police about the grow-ops and the business allegedly connected to all of the illegal outfits - a store called Tropical Distribution at 135 Ormont Rd. The investigation started back in May of 2006.
Police claim the owners of the store were facilitating the people running the grow-ops.
Search warrants were executed at the 18 drug-growing outfits littered across the GTA and last Thursday police also searched Tropical Distribution and a home in Newmarket and arrested three people.
Van Duong LE, 41, of Newmarket, Tu Cam LAM, 29, of Newmarket, and Dai Tho LE, 28, of Mississauga are all facing several charges. They're scheduled to appear in a Newmarket court on May 1.
Authorities arrested three people in connection to the web of grow-ops and seized about 8,000 pot plants worth an estimated $8 million. There were 18 illegal drug growing outfits in total which investigators allege were all connected to a Toronto business that sold equipment needed to cultivate marijuana indoors.
An anonymous tipster told York Regional Police about the grow-ops and the business allegedly connected to all of the illegal outfits - a store called Tropical Distribution at 135 Ormont Rd. The investigation started back in May of 2006.
Police claim the owners of the store were facilitating the people running the grow-ops.
Search warrants were executed at the 18 drug-growing outfits littered across the GTA and last Thursday police also searched Tropical Distribution and a home in Newmarket and arrested three people.
Van Duong LE, 41, of Newmarket, Tu Cam LAM, 29, of Newmarket, and Dai Tho LE, 28, of Mississauga are all facing several charges. They're scheduled to appear in a Newmarket court on May 1.
18 Marijuana Grow-Ops Linked To Toronto Store
Police have dismantled 18 marijuana growing operations they claim were connected to one Toronto store.
Authorities arrested three people in connection to the web of grow-ops and seized about 8,000 pot plants worth an estimated $8 million. There were 18 illegal drug growing outfits in total which investigators allege were all connected to a Toronto business that sold equipment needed to cultivate marijuana indoors.
An anonymous tipster told York Regional Police about the grow-ops and the business allegedly connected to all of the illegal outfits - a store called Tropical Distribution at 135 Ormont Rd. The investigation started back in May of 2006.
Police claim the owners of the store were facilitating the people running the grow-ops.
Search warrants were executed at the 18 drug-growing outfits littered across the GTA and last Thursday police also searched Tropical Distribution and a home in Newmarket and arrested three people.
Van Duong LE, 41, of Newmarket, Tu Cam LAM, 29, of Newmarket, and Dai Tho LE, 28, of Mississauga are all facing several charges. They're scheduled to appear in a Newmarket court on May 1.
Authorities arrested three people in connection to the web of grow-ops and seized about 8,000 pot plants worth an estimated $8 million. There were 18 illegal drug growing outfits in total which investigators allege were all connected to a Toronto business that sold equipment needed to cultivate marijuana indoors.
An anonymous tipster told York Regional Police about the grow-ops and the business allegedly connected to all of the illegal outfits - a store called Tropical Distribution at 135 Ormont Rd. The investigation started back in May of 2006.
Police claim the owners of the store were facilitating the people running the grow-ops.
Search warrants were executed at the 18 drug-growing outfits littered across the GTA and last Thursday police also searched Tropical Distribution and a home in Newmarket and arrested three people.
Van Duong LE, 41, of Newmarket, Tu Cam LAM, 29, of Newmarket, and Dai Tho LE, 28, of Mississauga are all facing several charges. They're scheduled to appear in a Newmarket court on May 1.
Marijuana seized by deputies
Houston County Sheriff’s investigators seized one and half pounds of marijuana and a couple of thousand dollars in cash on Monday after an attempted traffic stop led to a brief chase.
Capt. Antonio Gonzalez said deputies seized the drugs after three men led law enforcement on a short vehicle chase through Dothan around 4 p.m. He said the men traveling in a black Infiniti fled during an attempted traffic stop near Westgate Parkway and Denton Road. Gonzalez said the three men traveling in the car jumped out and ran near the intersection of Denton Road and Oakdale Circle.
Deputies arrested two of the three men, including Darion Covington, 27, of Smyrna, Ga., and Justin Johnson, 27, of Dothan. Gonzalez said all three men face a felony first-degree possession of marijuana charge and possibly other charges.
Deputies seized one and a half pounds of marijuana and at least $2,000 in cash as part of the two-month investigation.
Anyone with information about the third person last seen in the neighborhood of Denton Road and Oakdale Circle can call the Houston County Sheriff’s Office at 677-4888.
Capt. Antonio Gonzalez said deputies seized the drugs after three men led law enforcement on a short vehicle chase through Dothan around 4 p.m. He said the men traveling in a black Infiniti fled during an attempted traffic stop near Westgate Parkway and Denton Road. Gonzalez said the three men traveling in the car jumped out and ran near the intersection of Denton Road and Oakdale Circle.
Deputies arrested two of the three men, including Darion Covington, 27, of Smyrna, Ga., and Justin Johnson, 27, of Dothan. Gonzalez said all three men face a felony first-degree possession of marijuana charge and possibly other charges.
Deputies seized one and a half pounds of marijuana and at least $2,000 in cash as part of the two-month investigation.
Anyone with information about the third person last seen in the neighborhood of Denton Road and Oakdale Circle can call the Houston County Sheriff’s Office at 677-4888.
Traffic stop leads authorities to six pounds of marijuana
Authorities say a pound of marijuana was found inside Andrew Kugler's car when he ran a red light and an additional five pounds were found in his College Park home, the same house where police discovered 50 pounds of pot two years ago.
The 33-year-old College Park man was pulled over Aug. 3 after blowing through a red light to turn right from University Boulevard onto Metzerott Road, a few blocks from the University of Maryland on a route Kugler might travel to his home at 9130 Bridgewater St., court records show. Attorney information for Kugler was not listed in court records. Kugler was on probation for the two-year-old arrest when he was pulled over.
In 2007, Kugler nearly lost the house after a police raid discovered 50 pounds of marijuana in the basement and $177,215 in cash secreted throughout the house, court documents filed in Maryland's federal court said. The drug was held inside 84 mason jars labeled with "different flavors such as blueberry, big red, $four-hundred$, haze, silver, blue, strawberry, grape and numerous other flavors," documents said. At the time, Kugler reportedly told officials he had been selling marijuana since he was 12 years old.
In January 2008, Kugler pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, was sentenced to six months behind bars and then released on three years' probation, Maryland court records show. Simultaneously, federal authorities filed a lawsuit demanding that the house be forfeited to the U.S. government, but in a March 2008 agreement authorities accepted $25,000 in lieu of the property.
According to court documents, the University of Maryland police officer who pulled him over could smell marijuana in the car. The officer asked Kugler whether he had marijuana, and Kugler handed over a small plastic bag with a substance suspected to be pot inside. A subsequent search of his gold Subaru revealed a large plastic bag containing a little more than one pound of the drug. Federal agents who searched his Bridgewater Street house later that day found more than five pounds of pot and $30,000 in the basement.
Kugler has once again been charged with possession with intent to distribute, and federal authorities have once again filed a lawsuit demanding his house be forfeited.
The 33-year-old College Park man was pulled over Aug. 3 after blowing through a red light to turn right from University Boulevard onto Metzerott Road, a few blocks from the University of Maryland on a route Kugler might travel to his home at 9130 Bridgewater St., court records show. Attorney information for Kugler was not listed in court records. Kugler was on probation for the two-year-old arrest when he was pulled over.
In 2007, Kugler nearly lost the house after a police raid discovered 50 pounds of marijuana in the basement and $177,215 in cash secreted throughout the house, court documents filed in Maryland's federal court said. The drug was held inside 84 mason jars labeled with "different flavors such as blueberry, big red, $four-hundred$, haze, silver, blue, strawberry, grape and numerous other flavors," documents said. At the time, Kugler reportedly told officials he had been selling marijuana since he was 12 years old.
In January 2008, Kugler pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, was sentenced to six months behind bars and then released on three years' probation, Maryland court records show. Simultaneously, federal authorities filed a lawsuit demanding that the house be forfeited to the U.S. government, but in a March 2008 agreement authorities accepted $25,000 in lieu of the property.
According to court documents, the University of Maryland police officer who pulled him over could smell marijuana in the car. The officer asked Kugler whether he had marijuana, and Kugler handed over a small plastic bag with a substance suspected to be pot inside. A subsequent search of his gold Subaru revealed a large plastic bag containing a little more than one pound of the drug. Federal agents who searched his Bridgewater Street house later that day found more than five pounds of pot and $30,000 in the basement.
Kugler has once again been charged with possession with intent to distribute, and federal authorities have once again filed a lawsuit demanding his house be forfeited.
2 Honolulu police officers arrested on marijuana possession charges after chase in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS — Two Honolulu law enforcers in Las Vegas to play in a softball tournament for police and firefighters were arrested on marijuana charges after leading authorities on a short chase.
Clark County spokeswoman Stacey Welling said officers Kevin Fujioka, 37, and Shayne Souza, 47, were arrested Saturday night near Desert Breeze Park, about six miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.
Scott Wilson, a 38-year-old social worker from Honolulu, also was arrested, Welling said Monday.
Park police approached the men in a white van because it was parked sideways across two spots in the parking lot, Welling said. As officers approached, the van drove off.
After a short pursuit, Souza and Fujioka got out of the van and ran from police, authorities said. Welling said officers pepper-sprayed Souza when he resisted arrest.
All three men were charged with marijuana possession, Welling said. Fujioka also was charged with driving under the influence of a narcotic, and Souza was charged with drug paraphernalia possession, resisting a police officer and obstruction of justice. Wilson was charged with having an open alcohol container in a vehicle, Welling said.
Michelle Yu, spokeswoman for the Honolulu Police Department, confirmed that the agency has two officers with the same names as Fujioka and Souza, but she said the department had not heard about the arrests and could not immediately comment.
Yu said Fujioka is a patrol officer who has worked at the department 13 years, while Souza is a SWAT officer who has been with the department 20 years.
Welling said the men identified themselves as police officers from the Hawaii city.
Tom Wagner, president of the Nevada Police Athletic Federation, said the arrests happened during a men's softball tournament that was part of the 2009 Nevada Police & Fire Games. The five-day event of various sports and games involves about 2,000 police and firefighters from across the country, Wagner said.
He called the arrests "shocking" and said it's possible that the players and their team would not be invited to return to the games.
"It's unfortunate but we definitely are going to be speaking to that coach and that police department and getting the story and deciding what our action will be as a federation," Wagner said.
Clark County spokeswoman Stacey Welling said officers Kevin Fujioka, 37, and Shayne Souza, 47, were arrested Saturday night near Desert Breeze Park, about six miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.
Scott Wilson, a 38-year-old social worker from Honolulu, also was arrested, Welling said Monday.
Park police approached the men in a white van because it was parked sideways across two spots in the parking lot, Welling said. As officers approached, the van drove off.
After a short pursuit, Souza and Fujioka got out of the van and ran from police, authorities said. Welling said officers pepper-sprayed Souza when he resisted arrest.
All three men were charged with marijuana possession, Welling said. Fujioka also was charged with driving under the influence of a narcotic, and Souza was charged with drug paraphernalia possession, resisting a police officer and obstruction of justice. Wilson was charged with having an open alcohol container in a vehicle, Welling said.
Michelle Yu, spokeswoman for the Honolulu Police Department, confirmed that the agency has two officers with the same names as Fujioka and Souza, but she said the department had not heard about the arrests and could not immediately comment.
Yu said Fujioka is a patrol officer who has worked at the department 13 years, while Souza is a SWAT officer who has been with the department 20 years.
Welling said the men identified themselves as police officers from the Hawaii city.
Tom Wagner, president of the Nevada Police Athletic Federation, said the arrests happened during a men's softball tournament that was part of the 2009 Nevada Police & Fire Games. The five-day event of various sports and games involves about 2,000 police and firefighters from across the country, Wagner said.
He called the arrests "shocking" and said it's possible that the players and their team would not be invited to return to the games.
"It's unfortunate but we definitely are going to be speaking to that coach and that police department and getting the story and deciding what our action will be as a federation," Wagner said.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Police seize 50 pounds of marijuana, arrest two New London men
Waterford,Conn Police seized two cars and arrested two New London men who police said tried to accept delivery Tuesday of a package containing 50 pounds of marijuana.
During the course of a joint narcotics investigation, Waterford police and members of the state police Statewide Narcotics Task Force intercepted a package containing marijuana addressed to a location in the Waterford area. Police delivered the package to the address on Tuesday and arrested New London residents Joel E. Donahue, 34, of 17 Town Hill Road, and Joseph V. Guerin, 26, of 31 Cutler St.
Donahue was charged with possession of marijuana, conspiracy to possess marijuana and third-degree burglary. Police charged Guerin with possession of marijuana, conspiracy to possess marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Police seized a Chrysler Concorde and a Cadillac DeVille.
Both were held on $50,000 bonds and scheduled for arraignment Aug. 25 in New London Superior Court.
Police said an additional arrest is expected in the case.
During the course of a joint narcotics investigation, Waterford police and members of the state police Statewide Narcotics Task Force intercepted a package containing marijuana addressed to a location in the Waterford area. Police delivered the package to the address on Tuesday and arrested New London residents Joel E. Donahue, 34, of 17 Town Hill Road, and Joseph V. Guerin, 26, of 31 Cutler St.
Donahue was charged with possession of marijuana, conspiracy to possess marijuana and third-degree burglary. Police charged Guerin with possession of marijuana, conspiracy to possess marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Police seized a Chrysler Concorde and a Cadillac DeVille.
Both were held on $50,000 bonds and scheduled for arraignment Aug. 25 in New London Superior Court.
Police said an additional arrest is expected in the case.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Cops say Hicksville man grew marijuana in basement
Police went to a Hicksville home Sunday to arrest a man on a failure to appear in court ticket.
Instead, police said, the man ended up being arrested on two drug charges - after the officers smelled marijuana coming from inside the home and later found "what appeared to be a growing room" in the basement of the house.
Nassau County police said Brandon Schneider was arrested at the home on York Street at 6:10 p.m. Sunday. He was charged with second-degree and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance - and police said marijuana recovered from his room will be presented to a grand jury at a later date.
He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in First District Court in Hempstead.
Police said officers were sent to the home looking for Schneider, who they said was wanted for failure to appear in court on an assault charge.
Once at the home, police said the officers "smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the house." Police said the officers asked where Schneider was and were told the basement. They then entered the basement, police said, and found the growing room.
Instead, police said, the man ended up being arrested on two drug charges - after the officers smelled marijuana coming from inside the home and later found "what appeared to be a growing room" in the basement of the house.
Nassau County police said Brandon Schneider was arrested at the home on York Street at 6:10 p.m. Sunday. He was charged with second-degree and third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance - and police said marijuana recovered from his room will be presented to a grand jury at a later date.
He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in First District Court in Hempstead.
Police said officers were sent to the home looking for Schneider, who they said was wanted for failure to appear in court on an assault charge.
Once at the home, police said the officers "smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the house." Police said the officers asked where Schneider was and were told the basement. They then entered the basement, police said, and found the growing room.
200 Pound Marijuana Seizure Nets 3 Arrests
JACKSON, Miss. -- Three people were arrested Tuesday in connection with the seizure of more than 200 pounds of marijuana.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics-led Jackson Enforcement Team arrested Lee E. Brooks Jr., 32, and Stephanie Weathersby, 29, both of Jackson along with Charles Wilson, 61, of Bellwood, Ill., at Brooks' 1737 Brecon Drive residence.
Brooks has been charged with possession of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to possess more than 100 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of ecstasy. He has also been charged with child endangerment because the alleged offenses occurred in the presence of a minor.
MBN Director Marshall Fisher said Brooks was also in possession of a firearm and could face stiffer penalties if convicted. Agents charged Weathersby with possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana and Wilson with conspiracy to possess more than 100 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Fisher estimates the street value of the marijuana at $250,000.
MBN agents also seized approximately $7,000 in cash, a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun and a bullet-resistant vest.
In addition to the JET, the Oklahoma State Police and the Jackson High-Intensity Drug-Trafficking Area task force participated in the investigation.
The Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics-led Jackson Enforcement Team arrested Lee E. Brooks Jr., 32, and Stephanie Weathersby, 29, both of Jackson along with Charles Wilson, 61, of Bellwood, Ill., at Brooks' 1737 Brecon Drive residence.
Brooks has been charged with possession of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to possess more than 100 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of ecstasy. He has also been charged with child endangerment because the alleged offenses occurred in the presence of a minor.
MBN Director Marshall Fisher said Brooks was also in possession of a firearm and could face stiffer penalties if convicted. Agents charged Weathersby with possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana and Wilson with conspiracy to possess more than 100 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Fisher estimates the street value of the marijuana at $250,000.
MBN agents also seized approximately $7,000 in cash, a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun and a bullet-resistant vest.
In addition to the JET, the Oklahoma State Police and the Jackson High-Intensity Drug-Trafficking Area task force participated in the investigation.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Deputies arrest man after finding 2.5+ pounds of marijuana
A 25-year-old Evansville man is due in court today after deputies found more than 2.5 pounds of marijuana in his apartment, according to a Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office probable cause affidavit.
Kenneth D. Tidwell is facing preliminary charges of dealing marijuana, maintaining a common nuisance and possessing paraphernalia. He was booked in the Vanderburgh County Jail without bond pending the initial court appearance.
Authorities went to 7022 Arla Jane Drive about 11:15 p.m. Sunday to investigate a complaint of narcotics use and sale at Tidwell's residence.
According to the affidavit, he allowed deputies in to perform a search. Authorities then found multiple digital scales with marijuana residue, marijuana pipes, a pill grinder, a handgun, 10 cell phones and 1162.2 grams of marijuana in various places inside, according to the affidavit.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Boulder jury finds medical-marijuana patient not guilty of holding too much pot
A Louisville man who was accused of possessing an illegal amount of medical marijuana when his home was raided last year was acquitted on all charges Thursday afternoon.
A jury of eight men and four women found Jason Lauve, 38, not guilty of a felony drug possession charge, and not guilty of two lesser marijuana possession charges.
They deliberated for a little more than three hours.
Lauve was charged with possessing 17 times the permitted amount of marijuana that the state allows for medical purposes -- which is set at two ounces and no more than six plants. Police said they found more than 30 pot plants and more than two pounds of marijuana during a raid of his Louisville home in June 2008.
Lauve, who has had a state-issued medical marijuana ID card for several years, suffered severe injuries to his back after being struck by a snowboarder at Eldora Ski Resort in 2004 and has smoked pot three times a day and ingested it once a day to ease his pain.
He argued the constitutional amendment voters approved nine years ago contains a provision that allows patients to ultimately decide the amount of marijuana that gives them relief from a debilitating condition.
A jury of eight men and four women found Jason Lauve, 38, not guilty of a felony drug possession charge, and not guilty of two lesser marijuana possession charges.
They deliberated for a little more than three hours.
Lauve was charged with possessing 17 times the permitted amount of marijuana that the state allows for medical purposes -- which is set at two ounces and no more than six plants. Police said they found more than 30 pot plants and more than two pounds of marijuana during a raid of his Louisville home in June 2008.
Lauve, who has had a state-issued medical marijuana ID card for several years, suffered severe injuries to his back after being struck by a snowboarder at Eldora Ski Resort in 2004 and has smoked pot three times a day and ingested it once a day to ease his pain.
He argued the constitutional amendment voters approved nine years ago contains a provision that allows patients to ultimately decide the amount of marijuana that gives them relief from a debilitating condition.
74 pounds of marijuana found in car in stop
A Michigan woman was released from jail on bond Thursday after a traffic stop on Interstate 40 yielded 74 pounds of marijuana, according to the state Department of Public Safety.
Casanda Dacre Booker, 36, of Farmington Hills, Mich., was arrested Wednesday afternoon near McLean after DPS troopers stopped her for failing to signal a lane change on the highway. Authorities searched the car after a drug dog signaled the presence of a controlled substance.
Booker was charged with possession of marijuana more than 50 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds, and taken to the Gray County Jail, where she posted a $20,000 bond.
Authorities said she was traveling from Phoenix to Indianapolis. The marijuana was stored in the car's trunk and rear seat, according to DPS.
Casanda Dacre Booker, 36, of Farmington Hills, Mich., was arrested Wednesday afternoon near McLean after DPS troopers stopped her for failing to signal a lane change on the highway. Authorities searched the car after a drug dog signaled the presence of a controlled substance.
Booker was charged with possession of marijuana more than 50 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds, and taken to the Gray County Jail, where she posted a $20,000 bond.
Authorities said she was traveling from Phoenix to Indianapolis. The marijuana was stored in the car's trunk and rear seat, according to DPS.
Expo in Detroit to highlight medical-marijuana biz
DETROIT (AP) - A Detroit exhibition is looking to highlight the economic potential of medical marijuana.
What's billed as the first annual Michigan Medical Marijuana Expo begins Saturday and runs through Sunday.
Dozens of speakers will talk about jobs and other opportunities in the field of medical marijuana, Michigan's law and other topics.
Growing and hydroponics equipment will be displayed and sold.
Organizers say no marijuana will be bought or sold at the event, though registered patients will be able to use the drug in a guarded, enclosed space at the expo.
Michigan voters legalized medical marijuana last year for patients suffering from ailments such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. A doctor's recommendation is required to obtain a registry card from the state.
What's billed as the first annual Michigan Medical Marijuana Expo begins Saturday and runs through Sunday.
Dozens of speakers will talk about jobs and other opportunities in the field of medical marijuana, Michigan's law and other topics.
Growing and hydroponics equipment will be displayed and sold.
Organizers say no marijuana will be bought or sold at the event, though registered patients will be able to use the drug in a guarded, enclosed space at the expo.
Michigan voters legalized medical marijuana last year for patients suffering from ailments such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. A doctor's recommendation is required to obtain a registry card from the state.
Friday, August 7, 2009
FedEx marijuana shipment intercepted
McIntosh, Ala. (AP) - Authorities say they intercepted a package of marijuana being shipped to an address in Washington County, and a man who thought he was receiving the shipment is being held on $1 million bail.
Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer says authorities were tipped off last week when a package arrived in Ohio with what was believed to be more than 2 pounds of marijuana.
Stringer says 27-year-old Terry Jerome Johnson Jr. had the package delivered to a phony name at his parents' home.
The sheriff says FedEx delivered the package to authorities and a decoy truck and an officer dressed as a delivery driver brought the package to McIntosh on July 30.
Stringer says after Johnson claimed the package, he was arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer says authorities were tipped off last week when a package arrived in Ohio with what was believed to be more than 2 pounds of marijuana.
Stringer says 27-year-old Terry Jerome Johnson Jr. had the package delivered to a phony name at his parents' home.
The sheriff says FedEx delivered the package to authorities and a decoy truck and an officer dressed as a delivery driver brought the package to McIntosh on July 30.
Stringer says after Johnson claimed the package, he was arrested and charged with drug trafficking.
Two children removed from house containing 195 marijuana plants
BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Two children, aged four and five, have been turned over to family members after police discovered 195 marijuana plants growing in the home where they lived.
The Berrien County Sheriff's Office says their narcotics unit, along with other area police agencies, executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics in the 3000 block of Lincoln Avenue in St. Joseph Township on Friday. The search warrant came after a three month investigation into illegal narcotic activity at the residence.
At the time of the search warrant, officers located Ronald Wolnik, Elizabeth Klank, two children and five dogs inside the residence.
During a search, officers say they located and seized 195 live marijuana plants in various stages of growth as well as a large quantity of processed marijuana and other evidence of narcotic traffic.
Officials say Wolnik was currently on probation for a previous conviction for assault and battery. He was lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of manufacture of marijuana within 500 feet of a school, maintaining a drug house, and two counts of child endangerment.
Officials say Klank was currently out on bond on an embezzlement charge. She was also lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of manufacture of marijuana within 500 feet of a school, maintaining a drug house, and two counts of child endangerment.
The two children were turned over to the custody of family members.
The Berrien County Sheriff's Office says their narcotics unit, along with other area police agencies, executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics in the 3000 block of Lincoln Avenue in St. Joseph Township on Friday. The search warrant came after a three month investigation into illegal narcotic activity at the residence.
At the time of the search warrant, officers located Ronald Wolnik, Elizabeth Klank, two children and five dogs inside the residence.
During a search, officers say they located and seized 195 live marijuana plants in various stages of growth as well as a large quantity of processed marijuana and other evidence of narcotic traffic.
Officials say Wolnik was currently on probation for a previous conviction for assault and battery. He was lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of manufacture of marijuana within 500 feet of a school, maintaining a drug house, and two counts of child endangerment.
Officials say Klank was currently out on bond on an embezzlement charge. She was also lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of manufacture of marijuana within 500 feet of a school, maintaining a drug house, and two counts of child endangerment.
The two children were turned over to the custody of family members.
Marijuana operation found inside burning house
Firefighters found a marijuana-growing operation inside a house that caught fire this morning in Palm Bay.
An "electrical overload due to tampering" sparked the blaze, meaning the official cause is arson, officials said in a statement.
Firefighters responded at about 7 a.m. after neighbors called in reports about smoke and flames coming from the roof of the home 1370 Seabold Road SW.
Firefighters contained the fire to the attic and rear of the house. They discovered a growing operation while ensuring the house had been evacuated, officials said in statement.
Officials said no one was home at the time.
"Police personnel also responded to conduct further investigation,'' the statement said. "The home is valued at approximately $250,000 with damages due to fire estimated at approximately $150,000."
Trooper Stops To Help Driver, Finds Marijuana
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- A driver was caught with 27 pounds of marijuana in his BMW Thursday night when the car broke down on Interstate 80.
A trooper stopped to help the driver on the interstate two miles west of Grand Island. But a state patrol K9 changed the trooper's motivation when it detected the drug's odor. The driver was arrested when the marijuana was found in the trunk.
Benjamin Winkfield, 29, of Illinois, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
A trooper stopped to help the driver on the interstate two miles west of Grand Island. But a state patrol K9 changed the trooper's motivation when it detected the drug's odor. The driver was arrested when the marijuana was found in the trunk.
Benjamin Winkfield, 29, of Illinois, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Bradley County Detectives Seize Six Pounds Of Marijuana
Bradley County Sheriff’s detectives arrested two Kentucky men during a routine investigation that netted approximately six pounds of marijuana.
A vehicle was stopped Wednesday afternoon on I-75 in northern Bradley County that was following close behind another vehicle. Inside the car, detectives found a plastic bag containing six bricks of marijuana.
They charged the driver, 42-year-old Eugene Hopkins of Corbin with possession of marijuana for resale, following too close and driving on a suspended license. They also charged the passenger, 24-year-old Jonathan Eugene Blevins of Williamsburg, with possession of marijuana for resale.
Both men were taken to the Bradley County jail where they were held without bond pending arraignment by a General Sessions Court judge.
A vehicle was stopped Wednesday afternoon on I-75 in northern Bradley County that was following close behind another vehicle. Inside the car, detectives found a plastic bag containing six bricks of marijuana.
They charged the driver, 42-year-old Eugene Hopkins of Corbin with possession of marijuana for resale, following too close and driving on a suspended license. They also charged the passenger, 24-year-old Jonathan Eugene Blevins of Williamsburg, with possession of marijuana for resale.
Both men were taken to the Bradley County jail where they were held without bond pending arraignment by a General Sessions Court judge.
Marijuana bust called largest in FF history
The seizure of more than 500 marijuana plants from a Fergus Falls residence in late July is being called the largest bust in the city’s history.
A massive grow operation was found in a house along Church Street July 24 after Fergus Falls police and agents with the West Central Minnesota Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the property. According to police, employees with Otter Tail Power Company were attempting to locate the source of several power outages in the area when they discovered a homemade electric cable running from the transformer to the house.
Inside the home, authorities found 512 marijuana plants in various stages of maturity, said police Capt. Steve Adams. The largest congregation of plants was in the basement, though others were located on the first and second floors, where most of the windows were covered by blinds. Authorities also found equipment including lights, fertilizer, reflectors and fans.
“To my knowledge, this is the largest grow operation we’ve ever seen in the city of Fergus Falls,” Adams said.
Special agent Mark Haberer, who has spent nine years with the drug task force and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, called the find a “substantial amount.”
“With 512 plants, this is the largest marijuana grow operation I have ever been involved in,” he said.
Authorities are looking for the home’s 35-year-old male tenant, as well as three to four others who may have been involved in the operation. The 35-year-old is wanted on an outstanding warrant on a separate criminal matter; a second warrant will be issued for this incident. Police did not release the suspect’s name Thursday.
The property owner, who lives out of state, does not appear to have known about the grow operation, Adams said.
Authorities have the plants in storage and will begin stripping them of buds and stems today to determine the total weight and value, Adams said. Had all of the plants grown to full maturity, Haberer estimates the find would have been worth $200,000 to $500,000.
The case is under investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and will be prosecuted out of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office out of Minneapolis, Adams said. State charges are also pending.
Cases that get federal attention usually involve a large number of plants and may have connections to larger drug networks or gangs, Haberer said.
Authorities did not release details on the seizure until Thursday because of the size of the operation and ensuing investigation, Adams said.
Haberer said he believes this case is consistent with a trend he’s seen out of the Twin Cities: renting property specifically for use as a grow house. No one appears to have been living at the Fergus Falls home, and the amount of traffic suggests sales weren’t taking place at the property.
“Neighbors had noticed more than one person coming and leaving but not a huge group of people,” Haberer said.
Walls of the house were covered with a foil-like material used to trap heat and moisture, he said. Ventilation tubes had been used to direct heat up through the attic and out of the house.
Police had received a report of smoke in the area last winter, Adams said. The officer who responded to the call determined the amount of steam coming out of the house was not unusual for that time of year, he said.
A massive grow operation was found in a house along Church Street July 24 after Fergus Falls police and agents with the West Central Minnesota Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the property. According to police, employees with Otter Tail Power Company were attempting to locate the source of several power outages in the area when they discovered a homemade electric cable running from the transformer to the house.
Inside the home, authorities found 512 marijuana plants in various stages of maturity, said police Capt. Steve Adams. The largest congregation of plants was in the basement, though others were located on the first and second floors, where most of the windows were covered by blinds. Authorities also found equipment including lights, fertilizer, reflectors and fans.
“To my knowledge, this is the largest grow operation we’ve ever seen in the city of Fergus Falls,” Adams said.
Special agent Mark Haberer, who has spent nine years with the drug task force and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, called the find a “substantial amount.”
“With 512 plants, this is the largest marijuana grow operation I have ever been involved in,” he said.
Authorities are looking for the home’s 35-year-old male tenant, as well as three to four others who may have been involved in the operation. The 35-year-old is wanted on an outstanding warrant on a separate criminal matter; a second warrant will be issued for this incident. Police did not release the suspect’s name Thursday.
The property owner, who lives out of state, does not appear to have known about the grow operation, Adams said.
Authorities have the plants in storage and will begin stripping them of buds and stems today to determine the total weight and value, Adams said. Had all of the plants grown to full maturity, Haberer estimates the find would have been worth $200,000 to $500,000.
The case is under investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and will be prosecuted out of the U.S. Attorney General’s Office out of Minneapolis, Adams said. State charges are also pending.
Cases that get federal attention usually involve a large number of plants and may have connections to larger drug networks or gangs, Haberer said.
Authorities did not release details on the seizure until Thursday because of the size of the operation and ensuing investigation, Adams said.
Haberer said he believes this case is consistent with a trend he’s seen out of the Twin Cities: renting property specifically for use as a grow house. No one appears to have been living at the Fergus Falls home, and the amount of traffic suggests sales weren’t taking place at the property.
“Neighbors had noticed more than one person coming and leaving but not a huge group of people,” Haberer said.
Walls of the house were covered with a foil-like material used to trap heat and moisture, he said. Ventilation tubes had been used to direct heat up through the attic and out of the house.
Police had received a report of smoke in the area last winter, Adams said. The officer who responded to the call determined the amount of steam coming out of the house was not unusual for that time of year, he said.
911 Call Leads To Discovery Of Large Marijuana Growing Operation
WESTVILLE — A rural Westville man was arrested for having a large indoor marijuana growing operation in the basement of his home.
LaPorte County police arrested 56-year-old James K. Pappas after a 911 call led them to his home.
Just after 11 a.m. on August 4, a man called 911 and said he saw two men shoot another man and drag him into a home in the 1800 South block of Otis Road. The caller hung up before giving additional information. Minutes later a second 911 call came in from a man who said he was the victim of a shooting at the same address giving in the first call. He also said he was being held in a room in the basement of the home and needed help. The caller hung up before giving additional information.
Police arrived at the address and were met by Pappas, who denied that a shooting occurred and said he knew nothing of the 911 call. Deputies found Pappas’ behavior suspicious, and he refused them entry into his home to verify that there was no shooting victim. Given the circumstances, deputies entered the home anyway and discovered the growing operation.
No shooting victim or evidence of a shooting was found at the home, and police searched the neighborhood to ensure there was no victim at a nearby home.
After obtaining a search warrant, police seized 190 marijuana plants, ranging in size from several inches to several feet, as well as marijuana in various stages of drying and prepackaged marijuana that appeared to be packaged for sale. Lighting and electrical equipment, air handling equipment, a large generator and computers were also seized.
Due to the size of the operation, investigators from the Drug Enforcement Agency and Indiana State Police were called to assist with the investigation.
“This discovery and subsequent seizure is the fourth substantial and sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation that has been seized within the last year by the County’s Metro Operations Unit and the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Michael Mollenhauer said in a press release. “The estimated street value of the marijuana seized as a result of this investigation is in excess of $190,000 and judging by the scope of this operation, it is believed that a very lucrative, personally owned but illegal business has been disrupted.”
Pappas was charged with possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance, both felonies. He was released on $5,000 bond.
LaPorte County police arrested 56-year-old James K. Pappas after a 911 call led them to his home.
Just after 11 a.m. on August 4, a man called 911 and said he saw two men shoot another man and drag him into a home in the 1800 South block of Otis Road. The caller hung up before giving additional information. Minutes later a second 911 call came in from a man who said he was the victim of a shooting at the same address giving in the first call. He also said he was being held in a room in the basement of the home and needed help. The caller hung up before giving additional information.
Police arrived at the address and were met by Pappas, who denied that a shooting occurred and said he knew nothing of the 911 call. Deputies found Pappas’ behavior suspicious, and he refused them entry into his home to verify that there was no shooting victim. Given the circumstances, deputies entered the home anyway and discovered the growing operation.
No shooting victim or evidence of a shooting was found at the home, and police searched the neighborhood to ensure there was no victim at a nearby home.
After obtaining a search warrant, police seized 190 marijuana plants, ranging in size from several inches to several feet, as well as marijuana in various stages of drying and prepackaged marijuana that appeared to be packaged for sale. Lighting and electrical equipment, air handling equipment, a large generator and computers were also seized.
Due to the size of the operation, investigators from the Drug Enforcement Agency and Indiana State Police were called to assist with the investigation.
“This discovery and subsequent seizure is the fourth substantial and sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation that has been seized within the last year by the County’s Metro Operations Unit and the Sheriff’s Office,” Sheriff Michael Mollenhauer said in a press release. “The estimated street value of the marijuana seized as a result of this investigation is in excess of $190,000 and judging by the scope of this operation, it is believed that a very lucrative, personally owned but illegal business has been disrupted.”
Pappas was charged with possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance, both felonies. He was released on $5,000 bond.
Police Seize 4.5 Pounds Of Marijuana From New Britain Home
NEW BRITAIN - A local man was arrested after officers found marijuana in his car and more than 4 pounds of it in his home, police said.
Francisco Ayala, 18, of Kelsey Street, was arrested Tuesday on numerous drug possession charges, police said today.
Police from the department's special services unit made the arrest after conducting surveillance of Ayala as a part of an investigation that lasted several months, they said in a press release. They had received information that he was selling marijuana throughout the city.
Officers saw him conduct a drug deal in downtown New Britain, police said. They approached him and immediately smelled marijuana coming from his car. They searched the car and found about 69 grams, or 2.4 ounces, of marijuana and $190, police said.
Police then searched his home and found 4.5 pounds of marijuana, which they said has a street value of about $30,000. Other seized items include packaging materials, scales and $300.
Ayala is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in New Britain later this month.
Thirty-three pounds of marijuana allegedly discovered
YORK — Christine Stanton, a 59-year-old woman whose address has not been disclosed, has been charged with delivery of a controlled substance and being in the possession of more than a pound of marijuana, after being arrested in York County.
She’s accused of transporting 33 pounds of marijuana through York County.
Tuesday afternoon, her attorney, York County Public Defender Eric Williams entered a not guilty plea on her behalf, as she was unable to appear in court.
According to the arrest affidavit, she was stopped by a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSF) at the Henderson exit along Interstate 80. The trooper says that within minutes, a canine unit detected the smell of marijuana in Station’s vehicle. The trooper said that the marijuana was found in her Oregon-plated Ford Excursion. The trooper said further that a large hidden compartment was found in the floor of the vehicle, as well.
Bond was set at $250,000, 10 percent.
If convicted, Stanton could be facing up to 25 years in prison and/or $35,000 in fines, as the charges are Class 3 and 4 felonies.
She’s accused of transporting 33 pounds of marijuana through York County.
Tuesday afternoon, her attorney, York County Public Defender Eric Williams entered a not guilty plea on her behalf, as she was unable to appear in court.
According to the arrest affidavit, she was stopped by a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSF) at the Henderson exit along Interstate 80. The trooper says that within minutes, a canine unit detected the smell of marijuana in Station’s vehicle. The trooper said that the marijuana was found in her Oregon-plated Ford Excursion. The trooper said further that a large hidden compartment was found in the floor of the vehicle, as well.
Bond was set at $250,000, 10 percent.
If convicted, Stanton could be facing up to 25 years in prison and/or $35,000 in fines, as the charges are Class 3 and 4 felonies.
Cop is killer, not marijuana dealer
A defense attorney for a marijuana dealer charged with killing and burying a man because he stole his money pointed to Chicago Police officer Jerome Finnigan as the man who pulled the trigger.
Finnigan, formerly of the police Special Operations Section, shot Eric Kaminski three times in the head on Feb. 4, 2004 after Daniel Nevarez told him Kaminski stole $40,000 of cash and two kilograms of marijuana from his home, Stuart Goldberg claimed during his opening statement’s at Nevarez’s murder trial this afternoon.
“Jerome Finnigan, supervising officer of the S.O.S. commanding team was the murderer of the victim in this case,” Goldberg said.
“It was Jerome Finnigan who ended Eric Kaminski’s life.”
Nevarez, 27, had been paying off Finnigan $3,500 a month to keep him from getting arrested, Goldberg said.
And when the money disappeared, Nevarez allegedly told Finnigan he couldn’t pay him. So Finnigan met with Kaminski, 25, in a building Nevarez’s father owns, in the 2200 block of West Coulter, and shot him, Goldberg said.
Finnigan has been charged along with other members of the now-disbanded Special Operations Section of falsely arresting and robbing people. Finnigan is also charged in federal court with plotting to kill a fellow officer, Keith Herrera, whom he believed was cooperating with the corruption investigation.
Nevarez was charged in 2008 with first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide.
Prosecutors allege Nevarez, a reputed member of the Satan Disciples street gang, shot Kaminski in the head and shoulder and buried him under a dirt floor in the basement of his father’s basement.
He got a friend to help dig a hole in the basement by threatening him, “You better help me m----------- or you’ll end up like him,” Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Bill Delaney said.
Nevarez had hired Kaminski to paint his home, in the 4400 block of South Knox.
Finnigan's attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
Finnigan, formerly of the police Special Operations Section, shot Eric Kaminski three times in the head on Feb. 4, 2004 after Daniel Nevarez told him Kaminski stole $40,000 of cash and two kilograms of marijuana from his home, Stuart Goldberg claimed during his opening statement’s at Nevarez’s murder trial this afternoon.
“Jerome Finnigan, supervising officer of the S.O.S. commanding team was the murderer of the victim in this case,” Goldberg said.
“It was Jerome Finnigan who ended Eric Kaminski’s life.”
Nevarez, 27, had been paying off Finnigan $3,500 a month to keep him from getting arrested, Goldberg said.
And when the money disappeared, Nevarez allegedly told Finnigan he couldn’t pay him. So Finnigan met with Kaminski, 25, in a building Nevarez’s father owns, in the 2200 block of West Coulter, and shot him, Goldberg said.
Finnigan has been charged along with other members of the now-disbanded Special Operations Section of falsely arresting and robbing people. Finnigan is also charged in federal court with plotting to kill a fellow officer, Keith Herrera, whom he believed was cooperating with the corruption investigation.
Nevarez was charged in 2008 with first-degree murder and concealment of a homicide.
Prosecutors allege Nevarez, a reputed member of the Satan Disciples street gang, shot Kaminski in the head and shoulder and buried him under a dirt floor in the basement of his father’s basement.
He got a friend to help dig a hole in the basement by threatening him, “You better help me m----------- or you’ll end up like him,” Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Bill Delaney said.
Nevarez had hired Kaminski to paint his home, in the 4400 block of South Knox.
Finnigan's attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.
150 Pounds Of Marijuana Seized From Business
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Richmond County authorities seized nearly 150 pounds of marijuana from an Augusta business Wednesday.
The business was Custom Car Care, on Milledgeville Road and Richmond County Sheriff's Office investigators had a search warrant to check out the scene.
According to a Richmond County sheriff's report, investigators serving a warrant at 3:37 a.m. found the drugs hidden in a large wooden crate.
Police charged 28-year-old Ronald Ivan Morgan, an employee, with charges including trafficking marijuana and giving a false name and date of birth.
Authorities found 6 grams of marijuana in the suspects pockets and also recovered two ecstasy pills from a refrigerator inside the business.
The business was Custom Car Care, on Milledgeville Road and Richmond County Sheriff's Office investigators had a search warrant to check out the scene.
According to a Richmond County sheriff's report, investigators serving a warrant at 3:37 a.m. found the drugs hidden in a large wooden crate.
Police charged 28-year-old Ronald Ivan Morgan, an employee, with charges including trafficking marijuana and giving a false name and date of birth.
Authorities found 6 grams of marijuana in the suspects pockets and also recovered two ecstasy pills from a refrigerator inside the business.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
1,000 Pound Marijuana Bust in Tucson
TUCSON - U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than 1,000 lbs. of marijuana Monday -- an approximate street value of $812,000
A man observed near an abandoned house had several bundles of marijuana inside his vehicle, agents say. Several more bundles were found inside the abandoned house.
Forty-four bundles were seized, weighing approximately 1,016 pounds.
The man, who is in the country illegally from Mexico, is being held pending prosecution.
Border agents seize smuggled marijuana near Yuma
YUMA — Border Patrol agents used tire deflation to disable the vehicle of some drug smugglers who abandoned their stolen truck early Tuesday and left behind nearly 1,200 pounds of marijuana.
Authorities say the 1,194 pounds of marijuana was wrapped into 40 bundles and had a street value of about $955,000.
Agents from the Wellton station discovered tire tracks leading way from the international border fence about 60 miles east of Yuma around 1 a.m. and say they soon spotted the truck using night vision equipment.
The agents say they deploying a deflation device on a road and deflated three of the truck's tires, but the driver was able to continue driving for about two miles through the desert before abandoning it.
Authorities say the driver and a passenger fled into the rugged mountain terrain.
Agents later learned that the drug smugglers had cut through the heavy steel bollard fence to make entry into the United States.
Authorities say the 1,194 pounds of marijuana was wrapped into 40 bundles and had a street value of about $955,000.
Agents from the Wellton station discovered tire tracks leading way from the international border fence about 60 miles east of Yuma around 1 a.m. and say they soon spotted the truck using night vision equipment.
The agents say they deploying a deflation device on a road and deflated three of the truck's tires, but the driver was able to continue driving for about two miles through the desert before abandoning it.
Authorities say the driver and a passenger fled into the rugged mountain terrain.
Agents later learned that the drug smugglers had cut through the heavy steel bollard fence to make entry into the United States.
State police seize 300 pounds of marijuana in Southampton
About 300 pounds of marijuana were seized from a tractor-trailer driven by a New York man who was stopped on Interstate 81 in Southampton Township in Cumberland County Tuesday, according to state police.
Police said Seymour Leiba, 44, of the Bronx, was stopped for a traffic violation about 7:10 p.m. near northbound mile marker 27. The Drug Law Division then located the marijuana in the trailer and seized it, police said.
Leiba was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and placed in Cumberland County Prison, where he was awaiting arraignment Wednesday morning.
Police said Seymour Leiba, 44, of the Bronx, was stopped for a traffic violation about 7:10 p.m. near northbound mile marker 27. The Drug Law Division then located the marijuana in the trailer and seized it, police said.
Leiba was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and placed in Cumberland County Prison, where he was awaiting arraignment Wednesday morning.
2 arrested; marijuana seized
FLORENCE - Two women were arrested and more than $90,000 in marijuana seized Monday after a two-year drug investigation.
Debra Kaneitha Horton, 50, 901 Pruitt St., Florence, and Pamela Michelle Jones, 36, 117 Button Ave., Florence, are charged with attempted trafficking in marijuana, said Lauderdale County Drug Task Force officials.
They were arrested after the marijuana was delivered to their houses through the mail.
Authorities said the marijuana weighed more than 37 pounds and was shipped in three boxes.
Task force agent Tim Glover said the marijuana was being delivered to Florence for resale.
"They're upper-level dealers, and we have information that they were selling in multiple counties, so we believe they were moving quite a bit of marijuana," he said.
Glover said each box contained "mini-bales" of marijuana.
Glover said the drug task force, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Florence police and U.S. postal inspectors executed search warrants at the Button Avenue and Pruitt Street houses.
Authorities said no one was at a third location but a package was taken into custody.
"These individuals have been under investigation for at least two years, and we recently got information they could be getting a shipment in," Glover said.
"We had been watching the houses since last week and it finally arrived Monday."
Agents said they tracked the shipment to an area in south Texas.
"We're still working with other agencies at this time to try and determine the exact location where the marijuana came from," Glover said.
Horton and Jones are being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bail of $25,000 each.
Debra Kaneitha Horton, 50, 901 Pruitt St., Florence, and Pamela Michelle Jones, 36, 117 Button Ave., Florence, are charged with attempted trafficking in marijuana, said Lauderdale County Drug Task Force officials.
They were arrested after the marijuana was delivered to their houses through the mail.
Authorities said the marijuana weighed more than 37 pounds and was shipped in three boxes.
Task force agent Tim Glover said the marijuana was being delivered to Florence for resale.
"They're upper-level dealers, and we have information that they were selling in multiple counties, so we believe they were moving quite a bit of marijuana," he said.
Glover said each box contained "mini-bales" of marijuana.
Glover said the drug task force, U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, Florence police and U.S. postal inspectors executed search warrants at the Button Avenue and Pruitt Street houses.
Authorities said no one was at a third location but a package was taken into custody.
"These individuals have been under investigation for at least two years, and we recently got information they could be getting a shipment in," Glover said.
"We had been watching the houses since last week and it finally arrived Monday."
Agents said they tracked the shipment to an area in south Texas.
"We're still working with other agencies at this time to try and determine the exact location where the marijuana came from," Glover said.
Horton and Jones are being held in the Lauderdale County Detention Center on bail of $25,000 each.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Suspicious vehicle leads to bust
EL PASO -- Police officers investigating a suspicious vehicle at a West Side apartment complex made a cocaine bust, police officials said.
Shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, officers responded to the 200 block of McClintock to investigate the suspicious vehicle. Once there, they noticed the strong odor of marijuana coming from a nearby apartment unit.
A resident at the unit, 19-year-old Neftali Mendoza, gave officers permission to enter the premises. Inside, officers found eight pounds of pot, more than 60 grams of cocaine, and items commonly used in the packaging of drugs for distribution, officials said.
Officers arrested Mendoza and he was charged with a count of Manufacture/Delivery of Cocaine, a count of Possession of Marijuana and a count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Mendoza was booked him into the El Paso County Detention Facility in lieu of a $60,000 bond.
Shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, officers responded to the 200 block of McClintock to investigate the suspicious vehicle. Once there, they noticed the strong odor of marijuana coming from a nearby apartment unit.
A resident at the unit, 19-year-old Neftali Mendoza, gave officers permission to enter the premises. Inside, officers found eight pounds of pot, more than 60 grams of cocaine, and items commonly used in the packaging of drugs for distribution, officials said.
Officers arrested Mendoza and he was charged with a count of Manufacture/Delivery of Cocaine, a count of Possession of Marijuana and a count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Mendoza was booked him into the El Paso County Detention Facility in lieu of a $60,000 bond.
Domestic dispute leads authorities to 400 marijuana plants in Powhatan
A domestic dispute between a husband and wife led Powhatan County deputies to about 400 mature marijuana plants concealed on the couple's property.
The husband, John Paul Russell Sr., 57, was charged with domestic assault and manufacturing marijuana at his home in the Little Fighting Creek subdivision in Powhatan. His wife, the alleged victim, told deputies about the marijuana, which was camouflaged with other plants behind a shed, authorities said.
"It's pretty significant grow operation when you get 400 plants," said Lt. Detective Kevin R. Wolfe of the Powhatan Sheriff's Office. "That's the most I've seen since I've been here, in 1996."
Police received a call just before 10 a.m. Sunday about a family member brandishing a weapon. When officers arrived, they learned that Russell's son, who lived elsewhere, had brandished a gun in response to the domestic fight between his parents, said Lt. Randy Stickels.
Russell's wife then informed deputies about the plants, Stickels said..
Wolfe said he didn't know how much marijuana the plants could produce. "We have not got the lab analysis back on it to give us that information," he said.
Wolfe declined to say whether investigators found any harvested marijuana inside the house. Deputies cut down the marijuana crop and placed it in storage as their investigation proceeds.
Russell was being held on $50,000 bond in the Powhatan Correctional Center in lieu of $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear tomorrow in Powhatan Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
The husband, John Paul Russell Sr., 57, was charged with domestic assault and manufacturing marijuana at his home in the Little Fighting Creek subdivision in Powhatan. His wife, the alleged victim, told deputies about the marijuana, which was camouflaged with other plants behind a shed, authorities said.
"It's pretty significant grow operation when you get 400 plants," said Lt. Detective Kevin R. Wolfe of the Powhatan Sheriff's Office. "That's the most I've seen since I've been here, in 1996."
Police received a call just before 10 a.m. Sunday about a family member brandishing a weapon. When officers arrived, they learned that Russell's son, who lived elsewhere, had brandished a gun in response to the domestic fight between his parents, said Lt. Randy Stickels.
Russell's wife then informed deputies about the plants, Stickels said..
Wolfe said he didn't know how much marijuana the plants could produce. "We have not got the lab analysis back on it to give us that information," he said.
Wolfe declined to say whether investigators found any harvested marijuana inside the house. Deputies cut down the marijuana crop and placed it in storage as their investigation proceeds.
Russell was being held on $50,000 bond in the Powhatan Correctional Center in lieu of $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear tomorrow in Powhatan Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Pair charged after marijuana grow operation found in Manitoulin Island home
Two people are facing drug-related charges after a drug search warrant on Central Manitoulin Township about two weeks ago turned up marijuana plants and marijuana with an estimated street value of $39,000.
Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police, along with Wikwemikong Tribal Police and the Sudbury OPP Drug Enforcement Section carried out the search at a residence on Highway 542 July 23. An indoor marijuana grow operation was discovered.
As a result of the investigation, Thomas Schmutz, 44, and Monique Hunse, 39, both of Highway 542, Carnarvon, have both been charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, and production of marijuana.
Schmutz and Hunse have both been released and are scheduled to appear in court in Gore Bay.
Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police, along with Wikwemikong Tribal Police and the Sudbury OPP Drug Enforcement Section carried out the search at a residence on Highway 542 July 23. An indoor marijuana grow operation was discovered.
As a result of the investigation, Thomas Schmutz, 44, and Monique Hunse, 39, both of Highway 542, Carnarvon, have both been charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, and production of marijuana.
Schmutz and Hunse have both been released and are scheduled to appear in court in Gore Bay.
Man arrested after marijuana found in van
Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s deputies found 61 pounds of marijuana in a California man’s vehicle on Interstate 80 Saturday morning.
Sheriff Jeff Danker said Deputy Brian Miller stopped a 2006 Honda Civic for speeding near the 5-mile marker of I-80 eastbound. David Strock, 31, of Willits, Calif., was identified as the driver. Danker said after talking with Strock, Miller became suspicious.
“Things didn’t add up, so to speak,” Danker said.
Miller walked a K-9 officer around the vehicle, and the dog indicated the scent of drugs were inside. Upon further examination and assistance from the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, it was discovered that 61 pounds of marijuana was in the van
Strock was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and failure to affix a tax stamp. He was taken to the Pottawattamie County Jail where he was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Sheriff Jeff Danker said Deputy Brian Miller stopped a 2006 Honda Civic for speeding near the 5-mile marker of I-80 eastbound. David Strock, 31, of Willits, Calif., was identified as the driver. Danker said after talking with Strock, Miller became suspicious.
“Things didn’t add up, so to speak,” Danker said.
Miller walked a K-9 officer around the vehicle, and the dog indicated the scent of drugs were inside. Upon further examination and assistance from the Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, it was discovered that 61 pounds of marijuana was in the van
Strock was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and failure to affix a tax stamp. He was taken to the Pottawattamie County Jail where he was released after posting a $5,000 bond.
Marijuana found in gas tank at Roma bridge
ROMA — Customs officers discovered close to 200 pounds of marijuana inside a SUV's gas tank Friday at the Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge.
The drugs carried a street value of nearly $160,000, officials said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers Friday came in contact with a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban headed north at the bridge. The driver and vehicle were referred to secondary inspection, where "Nero," a detector dog, smelled narcotics emanating from beneath the vehicle.
An X-ray scan revealed something inside the vehicle's fuel tank and officers later found two metal containers filled with compressed marijuana.
Officers arrested Santos Martinez Salazar, a 43-year-old Mexican national from Red Springs, N.C. on federal drug charges. He remains in custody pending an appearance before a magistrate judge.
Customs officers seized the drugs and the vehicle.
The drugs carried a street value of nearly $160,000, officials said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers Friday came in contact with a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban headed north at the bridge. The driver and vehicle were referred to secondary inspection, where "Nero," a detector dog, smelled narcotics emanating from beneath the vehicle.
An X-ray scan revealed something inside the vehicle's fuel tank and officers later found two metal containers filled with compressed marijuana.
Officers arrested Santos Martinez Salazar, a 43-year-old Mexican national from Red Springs, N.C. on federal drug charges. He remains in custody pending an appearance before a magistrate judge.
Customs officers seized the drugs and the vehicle.
2,300 marijuana plants seized in Yakima County WA
HARRAH, Wash. (AP) - Authorities say they have seized about 2,300 marijuana plants from three plots located in a wooded area on the Yakama Indian reservation in central Washington.
The latest bust pushes the total number of plants seized in Yakima County to about 100,000 in the annual effort by local authorities to curb the growth of marijuana production in the region.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports Yakima County is the top county in the state for marijuana production.
No one was arrested in Monday's raid at Harrah, Wash.
The latest bust pushes the total number of plants seized in Yakima County to about 100,000 in the annual effort by local authorities to curb the growth of marijuana production in the region.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reports Yakima County is the top county in the state for marijuana production.
No one was arrested in Monday's raid at Harrah, Wash.
Raritan Borough man charged with marijuana possession
Somerset County Prosecutor Wayne Forrest and Raritan Borough Police Department Chief Laurence Hess today announced the arrest of Bernard Ramos, 29, of First Avenue in Raritan Borough, N.J. He has been charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, in addition to other offenses, the Forrest stated in a press release.
The prosecutor gives the following account of the incidents and allegations surrounding the arrest:
Ramos' arrest is the result of a two-month long narcotics investigation conducted by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force along with the Raritan Borough Police Department. As a result of the ongoing narcotics investigation, a Somerset County Superior Court Search Warrant was obtained for the residence and the person of defendant Bernard Ramos. On July 31, members of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force and members of the Raritan Borough Police Department executed the search warrant on the residence.
As a result of the search warrant being executed, about one ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia (i.e. plastic baggies, digital scale), were seized from Ramos' residence. The marijuana seized from the residence has an estimated street value of $300.
Bail for Ramos was set at $5,000. He is being held at Somerset County Jail pending bail.
Charges against Ramos include third-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute while within 1000 feet of school property; third-degree possession of drug paraphernalia; and a disorderly persons offense.
The prosecutor gives the following account of the incidents and allegations surrounding the arrest:
Ramos' arrest is the result of a two-month long narcotics investigation conducted by the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force along with the Raritan Borough Police Department. As a result of the ongoing narcotics investigation, a Somerset County Superior Court Search Warrant was obtained for the residence and the person of defendant Bernard Ramos. On July 31, members of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force and members of the Raritan Borough Police Department executed the search warrant on the residence.
As a result of the search warrant being executed, about one ounce of marijuana and drug paraphernalia (i.e. plastic baggies, digital scale), were seized from Ramos' residence. The marijuana seized from the residence has an estimated street value of $300.
Bail for Ramos was set at $5,000. He is being held at Somerset County Jail pending bail.
Charges against Ramos include third-degree possession of marijuana with intent to distribute while within 1000 feet of school property; third-degree possession of drug paraphernalia; and a disorderly persons offense.
Cops seize marijuana, drug paraphernalia
DIXFIELD - Police seized nearly two dozen marijuana plants, processed marijuana and miscellaneous growing apparatus following a search of a three-story apartment building on July 25.
According to a news release issued by Dixfield police officer Mark Dow on Monday, police acted on a tip from an informant stating that drug activity was suspected at the apartment building on Weld Street.
Seized from what was described as a grow room were 23 plants, exhaust fans, a carbon dioxide dispersion system, processed marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Along with Dow, Dixfield officers Jeffrey Howe, Eric Bernier and David Hodgdon, and officer Dean Benson of the Mexico Police Department took part in the search.
According to a news release issued by Dixfield police officer Mark Dow on Monday, police acted on a tip from an informant stating that drug activity was suspected at the apartment building on Weld Street.
Seized from what was described as a grow room were 23 plants, exhaust fans, a carbon dioxide dispersion system, processed marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Along with Dow, Dixfield officers Jeffrey Howe, Eric Bernier and David Hodgdon, and officer Dean Benson of the Mexico Police Department took part in the search.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Nazareth man found with marijuana, more than $125,000 in car
A Nazareth man pulled over Friday night for suspected drunken driving had marijuana and more than $125,000 in cash, borough police said.
Keith Eutsey, 33, was stopped about 10:20 p.m. on Route 248 after driving erratically, and police observed him throwing marijuana out of the car as they approached, Deputy Chief Thomas Trachta said.
After he was placed under arrest, Eutsey indicated there was a large sum of money in the car, Trachta said. After securing a search warrant, police found additional marijuana and the money.
In addition to more than $125,000 in real cash, Trachta said counterfeit money was found inside the vehicle. Trachta declined to say how much marijuana was seized.
Eutsey, of Old Towne Road, was charged with possession of marijuana and released, but Trachta said additional charges are possible pending an investigation.
Keith Eutsey, 33, was stopped about 10:20 p.m. on Route 248 after driving erratically, and police observed him throwing marijuana out of the car as they approached, Deputy Chief Thomas Trachta said.
After he was placed under arrest, Eutsey indicated there was a large sum of money in the car, Trachta said. After securing a search warrant, police found additional marijuana and the money.
In addition to more than $125,000 in real cash, Trachta said counterfeit money was found inside the vehicle. Trachta declined to say how much marijuana was seized.
Eutsey, of Old Towne Road, was charged with possession of marijuana and released, but Trachta said additional charges are possible pending an investigation.
150 Pounds Of Marijuana Seized During Dayton Traffic Stop
DAYTON -- A Pennsylvania man is facing felony drug charges after Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers seized 150 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop over the weekend.
Officials say James Santopiepro, 28, was pulled over for a following too closely violation on I-70 in Preble County on Saturday. Troopers say they observed criminal indicators and a search was conducted.
The highway patrol says the amount of marijuana seized is valued at more than $340,000.
Santopiepro is charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
He faces up to nine years in prison and a $17,500 fine if he is convicted.
Officials say James Santopiepro, 28, was pulled over for a following too closely violation on I-70 in Preble County on Saturday. Troopers say they observed criminal indicators and a search was conducted.
The highway patrol says the amount of marijuana seized is valued at more than $340,000.
Santopiepro is charged with possession of marijuana, a second-degree felony, and possession of criminal tools, a fifth-degree felony.
He faces up to nine years in prison and a $17,500 fine if he is convicted.
Million-dollar bust in Hobbema
August 01, 2009
Hobbema RCMP are searching for suspects after seizing marijuana plants and equipment on Thursday night worth $1 million.
Const. James Lai, with the Hobbema RCMP, said it is one of the largest grow operations they’ve seen in Central Alberta in the last five years.
RCMP members found 800 maturing marijuana plants in two large outdoor greenhouses and a .22 calibre rifle on the Samson First Nation.
The plants, hydroponic and growing equipment has a street value of approximately $1 million, according to police. There were ventilation systems and tools to cut up the marijuana.
Lai said the operation was a natural grow operation, with a clear top over the plants to improve the greenhouse effect. The culprits also used a coloured top to conceal the grow operation from police flyovers.
Police received information about a large marijuana growing operation on the Samson First Nation and went to check out the local residence, not knowing until they examined it further how large an operation it was.
“The majority of the plants will be automatically destroyed once we get authorization from Health Canada,” Lai said. “A sample group will be kept for evidence in case charges are laid and to ensure how much THC or how strong the plants are.”
Hobbema RCMP, with air support, Wetaskiwin RCMP and the Edmonton Drug Section were involved in the drug bust.
“The investigation is still ongoing. We are looking for possible suspects and we’re still waiting for examination results from our forensics unit to be returned to us,” said Lai.
The forensics unit could turn up fingerprints or other evidence that could help determine who was part of the grow op.
As of Saturday no charges had yet been laid and it was unknown how many people were involved in the marijuana growing operation. The matter is currently under investigation by the Hobbema RCMP community response unit.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Manatee authorities seize marijuana grow house
MANATEE — Two men are in custody after investigators raided a grow house of marijuana plants ranging from three to four feet high, according to arrest warrants released Friday.
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office investigators were tipped off through a confidential source about the residence located in the 1100 block of 36th Avenue West on July 14.
Inside were about 125 marijuana plants along with indoor grow equipment, according to the warrant. The residence had no furniture except for a desk sitting in the living room.
Authorities arrested Prince M. Cenatis, who left his mail and business cards inside the grow house. Cenatis was arrested at the Barbary Shoppe in Lakewood Ranch.
Authorities also took the owner of the residence — Colby N. Starkey. Detectives observed Starkey purchasing grow equipment at home depot through surveillance footage.
On Oct. 17, 2007 authorities found a grow house in the 1700 block of 29th Avenue East. Starkey was also the owner of that residence.
Both men were arrested Thursday. Starkey posted a $5,000 bond, and Cenatis remained in jail Saturday.
$80k of marijuana seized on I-40
GALLUP (AP) - New Mexico authorities say they have seized more than 40 kilos of marijuana from a big rig at the Gallup port of entry and arrested the driver.
Motor Transportation Department police were conducting commercial vehicle inspections this week at the Gallup port off Interstate 40 when an inspector noticed discrepancies in the log book of a truck driver.
These discrepancies lead to a full inspection of the driver's tractor-trailer and authorities found three large boxes that contained 40 kilos of raw marijuana wrapped in large bundles.
Authorities say the marijuana had an estimated street value of at least $80,000.
The driver - 39-year-old Mark A. Reid of Florida - told authorities he picked up the marijuana in Phoenix.
Reid was cited for a log book infraction and arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
He's been booked into the McKinley County Detention Center.
Marijuana charges filed against teacher for growing plant
A Pushmataha County middle school teacher, her forest ranger husband and her son have been charged with felony marijuana cultivation.
Court papers indicate that law enforcement officials spotted a marijuana field from a helicopter on July 20 near the home of Katherine Henslee, 52, east of Antlers.
Officers on the ground found the plants on a path that led to the Henslee residence and found five more marijuana plants in pots near a shop building on the property.
Authorities found Henslee, her husband John Henslee, 53, and son Alan Henslee, 21, inside the home. An affidavit says all three denied knowing about the plants.
A school Web site says Katherine Henslee is a 6th grade reading teacher at Obuch Middle School in Antlers. John Henslee is a state forest ranger.
Police seek suspect in marijuana bust
PUBLISHED: July 30, 2009
Nearly 2,000 marijuana plants were found in Manchester.
Officials with the Michigan State Police are still searching for the suspect in connection with one of the state's largest outdoor marijuana growing operations.
The discovery was made near a storage unit off of Sharon Hollow Road north of U.S. 12 in Manchester Township July 21 as part of a federally-funded narcotics crackdown operation throughout the state.
Lt. Monica Yesh, a spokeswoman for the state police, said law enforcement agencies first discovered the plants after a police helicopter flyover turned up a large and flourishing crop near the property.
"There was about 2,000 planta growing on the property," she said. "This is the biggest outdoor growing operations we've investigated."
As of Friday, no arrests have been made in conjunction with the case.
"We do have a suspect," Yesh said. "We hope he will turn himself in."
Yesh said when officers arrived at the property, the male suspect fled on foot and is still at large.
"We have troopers at the location around the clock collecting evidence," she said.
Once all the evidence is collected, state police will determine whether the crime will be prosecuted at the state or federal level.
"Obviously if he turns himself in and cooperates with us we will be able to work with him," she said.
The annual flyovers are part of the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/ Suppression Program, formerly known as HEMP (Help Eliminate Marijuana Planting).
Outdoor marijuana growing is fairly common in rural areas Yesh said.
"Because of the nature of rural open areas, unforunately you will find more people trying to get away with outdoor growing," she said. "The incident in Manchester wasn't surprising but it was unexpected."
More than 70 law enforcement officers took part in the effort Tuesday afternoon. The investigation has been turned over to the Washtenaw County drug enforcement unit.
Yesh said the drug enforcement program would continue throughout the state in the coming weeks.
30,000 marijuana plants seized in Humboldt County
Four days of raiding outdoor marijuana gardens had local law enforcement seizing 30,000 plants with the help of the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting.
Throughout the week, CAMP teams eradicated 13,000 marijuana plants from Hoopa Valley tribal land and timber company property; 8,200 plants from California State Parks land and timber company property near Pepperwood; 6,200 plants from timber company property near Blocksburg; and 1,000 plants on U.S. Forest Service property near Orleans, according to a Humboldt County Sheriff's Office press release.
Sgt. Wayne Hanson of the sheriff's office said many outdoor marijuana gardens in Humboldt County are planted on timber company property or public land and are protected by armed growers.
”The reason CAMP exists is to make sure it's safe,” he said. “What if someone goes nature hiking or something and walks onto one of these groves? That's why we're here.”
The raiding teams consisted of personnel from CAMP, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Drug Task Force, according to the press release.
No arrests were made during the plant seizures, but four men were seen running from a garden Monday near Weitchpec as deputies were lowered from a helicopter, Hanson said. Catching growers is difficult due to the steep terrain and remote areas where the gardens are usually grown.
”Perps always hear our helicopters coming,” he said.
Police found 5,000 plants in the Weitchpec grow along with .380 handgun ammunition, Hanson said.
CAMP is a state-funded program that provides local law enforcement with support and personnel for the missions. Humboldt County couldn't afford to take on the outdoor marijuana grows without CAMP's assistance, Hanson said.
”The cost to Humboldt County without CAMP would be astronomical,” he said. “It costs $800 an hour for the helicopter, plus personnel.”
The sheriff's office does the initial investigation: searching for marijuana gardens via air surveillance and plotting the locations with a GPS device, Hanson said. Then they call CAMP and schedule to raid the grows.
CAMP will continue operations in Humboldt County throughout the summer.
Throughout the week, CAMP teams eradicated 13,000 marijuana plants from Hoopa Valley tribal land and timber company property; 8,200 plants from California State Parks land and timber company property near Pepperwood; 6,200 plants from timber company property near Blocksburg; and 1,000 plants on U.S. Forest Service property near Orleans, according to a Humboldt County Sheriff's Office press release.
Sgt. Wayne Hanson of the sheriff's office said many outdoor marijuana gardens in Humboldt County are planted on timber company property or public land and are protected by armed growers.
”The reason CAMP exists is to make sure it's safe,” he said. “What if someone goes nature hiking or something and walks onto one of these groves? That's why we're here.”
The raiding teams consisted of personnel from CAMP, the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Drug Task Force, according to the press release.
No arrests were made during the plant seizures, but four men were seen running from a garden Monday near Weitchpec as deputies were lowered from a helicopter, Hanson said. Catching growers is difficult due to the steep terrain and remote areas where the gardens are usually grown.
”Perps always hear our helicopters coming,” he said.
Police found 5,000 plants in the Weitchpec grow along with .380 handgun ammunition, Hanson said.
CAMP is a state-funded program that provides local law enforcement with support and personnel for the missions. Humboldt County couldn't afford to take on the outdoor marijuana grows without CAMP's assistance, Hanson said.
”The cost to Humboldt County without CAMP would be astronomical,” he said. “It costs $800 an hour for the helicopter, plus personnel.”
The sheriff's office does the initial investigation: searching for marijuana gardens via air surveillance and plotting the locations with a GPS device, Hanson said. Then they call CAMP and schedule to raid the grows.
CAMP will continue operations in Humboldt County throughout the summer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
