June 28, 2009 - 3:39 PM
PORTER TWP, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A domestic assault call leads to police finding 60 marijuana plants.
The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department says it happened around 11 p.m. Friday on the 20000 block of Hayne Rd.
When police arrived they located Gabrielle Lynn Jordan, 29, of Lawton, who had been involved in a domestic violence assault. Kevin Randall Verhage, 49, of Lawton was arrested for assaulting her.
However, Jordan was also arrested because both subjects had warrants out for their arrests.
Deputies also noted a strong odor of marijuana coming from the property. They found a flat bed truck which had approximately 60 potted marijuana plants growing. They obtained a search warrant and located additional materials and apparatus on the property.
Police say a third subject may be involved but further investigation is needed.
Monday, June 29, 2009
MAJOR DRUG BUST
Brazil's federal police officers show drugs seized during anti-drug operations, in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, June 26, 2009. According to federal police some 3 tons of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and crack were burned during the 'National Anti-Drug Week'.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Four arrested after marijuana bust
Posted: June 24, 2009 04:46 PM
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY (KFVS) - Three men face marijuana trafficking charges and another was arrested on outstanding warrants Tuesday.
James D. Wynn, 21, of Paducah faces conspiracy to trafficking in marijuana over eight ounces but less that five pounds second offense (A class "C" felony punishable by 5-10 years in prison) charge.
Marcus D. Green, 25, of Cadiz, faces conspiracy to trafficking in marijuana over eight ounces but less that five pounds first offense (A class "C" felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison) and possession of marijuana charges.
James R. Crenshaw II, 25, of Cadiz, conspiracy to trafficking in marijuana over eight ounces but less that five pounds second offense (A class "C" felony punishable by 5-10 years in prison) charge.
Glenn Pickett Jr., 41, of Frankfort, faces contempt of court charges.
McCracken County sheriff's detectives learned of a planned drug deal Monday to take place on Tuesday.
Detectives set up surveillance in the parking lot at a closed business at 7020 Benton Road in Reiland and searched three vehicles after they saw a transaction take place.
Police say Wynn was contacted by Crenshaw on a cell phone. Crenshaw allegedly asked to purchase four pounds of marijuana from Wynn. According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, Crenshaw traveled to Paducah from Eddyville in a Chevy Impala with Pickett Jr. and Green.
Police found more than four pounds of marijuana and about $4,000 in US currency that was believed to be used to purchase the marijuana. Detectives also recovered a small amount of marijuana from Green and Wynn and the 1996 Chevy Impala driven by Green.
The McCracken County Sheriff's Department, the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force, the Ballard County Sheriff's Department, and the Kentucky State Police participated in the investigation.
MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY (KFVS) - Three men face marijuana trafficking charges and another was arrested on outstanding warrants Tuesday.
James D. Wynn, 21, of Paducah faces conspiracy to trafficking in marijuana over eight ounces but less that five pounds second offense (A class "C" felony punishable by 5-10 years in prison) charge.
Marcus D. Green, 25, of Cadiz, faces conspiracy to trafficking in marijuana over eight ounces but less that five pounds first offense (A class "C" felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison) and possession of marijuana charges.
James R. Crenshaw II, 25, of Cadiz, conspiracy to trafficking in marijuana over eight ounces but less that five pounds second offense (A class "C" felony punishable by 5-10 years in prison) charge.
Glenn Pickett Jr., 41, of Frankfort, faces contempt of court charges.
McCracken County sheriff's detectives learned of a planned drug deal Monday to take place on Tuesday.
Detectives set up surveillance in the parking lot at a closed business at 7020 Benton Road in Reiland and searched three vehicles after they saw a transaction take place.
Police say Wynn was contacted by Crenshaw on a cell phone. Crenshaw allegedly asked to purchase four pounds of marijuana from Wynn. According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department, Crenshaw traveled to Paducah from Eddyville in a Chevy Impala with Pickett Jr. and Green.
Police found more than four pounds of marijuana and about $4,000 in US currency that was believed to be used to purchase the marijuana. Detectives also recovered a small amount of marijuana from Green and Wynn and the 1996 Chevy Impala driven by Green.
The McCracken County Sheriff's Department, the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force, the Ballard County Sheriff's Department, and the Kentucky State Police participated in the investigation.
Authorities bust marijuana grow at Nampa residence
Thursday, June 25th, 2009
NAMPA — Nampa resident Robert Lee Prater knew something was wrong Wednesday morning when he went to the end of his driveway at 6:30 a.m. and saw dozens of law enforcement vehicles parked up and down his street.
Prater's neighbors across North Robinson Road had been arrested and charged with growing about 100 marijuana plants in a woodworking shed at their home in the 500 block of the street.
City and county narcotics officers arrested the two Nampa residents, 43-year-old Scott Hall and 40-year-old Heidi Seifert. Officers booked Hall into the Canyon County jail on a felony drug manufacturing charge. Seifert was charged with misdemeanor drug possession and possession of paraphernalia.
Nampa Special Investigations Unit Lt. Joe Huff said officers executed a search warrant at the home after getting an anonymous tip about the plants several weeks ago.
"This is a good deal (of marijuana) to get off the street," Nampa police Sgt. Tony Evans said. "These guys were doing a pretty good business ... They were probably making a living out of it."
Police estimated the marijuana's street value at more than $100,000.
But Evans admitted the arrest would not put much of a dent in the local marijuana black market.
Law enforcement officials found marijuana plants from seedlings to 4 feet tall in the shed next to the suspects' house. They used a flash bang noise device to distract the suspects as they knocked on their front door. Evans said the suspects were cooperative during the arrest.
The shed had grow lights and an automatic watering system for the plants.
Investigators found scales and marijuana water pipes in the house, Evans said.
Hall works for a heating and cooling company, Prater said. He said he noticed lots of vehicles coming and going from the house in recent weeks. The pot growing at the house had probably been going on for at least several months, Evans said.
Vancouver man charged in grow-op bust of 1,500 plants
Published: June 26, 2009 3:00 PM
One man was taken into custody Thursday as Kamloops Mounties executed a search warrant at a Westsyde home, uncovering what police describe as a "very large" and "very sophisticated" marijuana-grow operation.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Doug Aird said cops entered the home, at 4585 Westsyde Rd., just after 1 p.m., where they found 1,500 pot plants.
"The operation itself was very sophisticated and included constructed separate rooms in the basement for varying stages of marijuana plants."
Along with the pot — which Aird said would be worth about $1 million on the street — police also seized $15,000 worth of growing equipment and a vehicle.
Yong Qiang Wang, from Vancouver, was released on bail Friday.
The 32-year-old is facing charges of production of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Neighbours on Westsyde Road said they believed the home, which sits on 1.32 acres of land, had been purchased by a Vancouver family to house their two children while they attended Thompson Rivers University.
They also said suspicion had been raised when a survey crew recently made comments about the home being a possible grow-op.
The bust follows the dismantling of two other large-scale marijuana operations in B.C. in recent days.
On Tuesday, Mounties in Barriere uncovered a massive operation and seized 2,600 plants.
In that instance, a large structure had apparently been constructed for the sole purpose of growing pot — complete with fake barn doors.
A 45-year-old man was arrested and later released.
The following day, police in Mission discovered an 8,000-plant outdoor grow-op at a rural property, arresting eight people and seizing a number of firearms.
Wang is scheduled to return to Kamloops provincial court on Aug. 7.
One man was taken into custody Thursday as Kamloops Mounties executed a search warrant at a Westsyde home, uncovering what police describe as a "very large" and "very sophisticated" marijuana-grow operation.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Doug Aird said cops entered the home, at 4585 Westsyde Rd., just after 1 p.m., where they found 1,500 pot plants.
"The operation itself was very sophisticated and included constructed separate rooms in the basement for varying stages of marijuana plants."
Along with the pot — which Aird said would be worth about $1 million on the street — police also seized $15,000 worth of growing equipment and a vehicle.
Yong Qiang Wang, from Vancouver, was released on bail Friday.
The 32-year-old is facing charges of production of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Neighbours on Westsyde Road said they believed the home, which sits on 1.32 acres of land, had been purchased by a Vancouver family to house their two children while they attended Thompson Rivers University.
They also said suspicion had been raised when a survey crew recently made comments about the home being a possible grow-op.
The bust follows the dismantling of two other large-scale marijuana operations in B.C. in recent days.
On Tuesday, Mounties in Barriere uncovered a massive operation and seized 2,600 plants.
In that instance, a large structure had apparently been constructed for the sole purpose of growing pot — complete with fake barn doors.
A 45-year-old man was arrested and later released.
The following day, police in Mission discovered an 8,000-plant outdoor grow-op at a rural property, arresting eight people and seizing a number of firearms.
Wang is scheduled to return to Kamloops provincial court on Aug. 7.
Pot bust could be largest ever in Western Wash.
SOUTH BEND, Wash. - An estimated 20,000 marijuana plants were seized from an undisclosed location in a forested part of Pacific County Wednesday.
Police said the bust was the largest ever in Pacific or Grays Harbor County history. It could be the biggest pot bust ever in Western Washington.
Before this week's bust, Pacific County Sheriff John Didion said the largest grow operation raided in his county consisted of about 1,000 plants.
Didion calls this new operation "sophisticated."
"The sheer amount of plants indicates it probably had at least a statewide distribution, maybe even to markets nationwide," Didion said.
The sheriff estimated the marijuana seized this week could have had a street value of $60 million.
He said a tip led the Pacific County Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Grays Harbor Drug Task force to the general location.
The growing operation was located by an Air National Guard helicopter, according to the sheriff.
A 48-year-old man was arrested on the property. Rafael Mendoza admitted to police he and three other men were growing the marijuana.
The search is on for his accomplices, who Mendoza said had been living with him in the woods, tending to and guarding the plants.
Sheriff Didion said the county is hoping to dry out the plants so they can be preserved as evidence.
Police said the bust was the largest ever in Pacific or Grays Harbor County history. It could be the biggest pot bust ever in Western Washington.
Before this week's bust, Pacific County Sheriff John Didion said the largest grow operation raided in his county consisted of about 1,000 plants.
Didion calls this new operation "sophisticated."
"The sheer amount of plants indicates it probably had at least a statewide distribution, maybe even to markets nationwide," Didion said.
The sheriff estimated the marijuana seized this week could have had a street value of $60 million.
He said a tip led the Pacific County Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Grays Harbor Drug Task force to the general location.
The growing operation was located by an Air National Guard helicopter, according to the sheriff.
A 48-year-old man was arrested on the property. Rafael Mendoza admitted to police he and three other men were growing the marijuana.
The search is on for his accomplices, who Mendoza said had been living with him in the woods, tending to and guarding the plants.
Sheriff Didion said the county is hoping to dry out the plants so they can be preserved as evidence.
Large drug bust in Severn Township Four arrested in relation to alleged $6 million marijuana grow-operation
Updated 17 hours ago
Four people have been arrested in connection with a large, outdoor marijuana grow-operation in Severn Township, said Det. Sgt. Mark Dennis with the OPP drug enforcement section.
Estimated at $6 million, the cannabis crop was allegedly found in a swampy, bush area between Orillia and Coldwater, he said.
“We usually we get a couple hundred, or a couple thousand, but this one was on the larger scale,” Dennis said. “Usually harvest time is in the fall, like any good crop. If this had gotten (that) big we would have been in there for easily a couple of days pulling plants. We got to it very early in the planting season.”
On Wednesday, the OPP allegedly located four people in the outdoor grow-op, Dennis said.
“We found the four growers that were in there and we arrested them,” he said.
The next day 14 police officers returned to the location to harvest approximately 6,000 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $6 million.
This is the first marijuana drug bust for Dennis' unit this year, he said.
The cannabis was disposed of on Thursday, Dennis said.
“We work in partnership with the municipal people to dispose of it, with all of the different townships and the cities,” he said, adding it is spread out between them.
The four people arrested in relation to the marijuana grow-operation are not locals, but from Toronto, Markham and New York State, Dennis said.
“The days of just a bunch of guys growing it, those are far and few between,” he said. “It's organized crime that's behind a lot of these grows.”
The OPP is still investigating where the marijuana would have been sold, Dennis said.
“It's quite conceivable that if it was being sold, say in this sake, in Toronto, it very well could find its way back on the streets of Orillia, easily,” he said.
The local rural areas are a frequent growing ground for these types of operations, Dennis said.
“They are all over the place, I'm not naive to that fact. Where they are right now I don't know. We still have some plots that we are aware of that are out there and we are continuing to investigate,” he said. “It's ideal, it's remote and that's where they will usually go, into remote isolated areas.”
Police have been investigating the alleged marijuana farm in Severn Township since early June after the public alerted OPP, Dennis said.
“We get tips from the public all the time on suspicious activity,” he said. “We had the location in mind and we knew about it and we were investigating it as far as... who's behind it.”
People living in rural areas are asked to contact the OPP is they see anything suspicious, he said.
“Keep an eye open for suspicious vehicles... that normally aren't there on the side of the road in a bush area, or swampy areas,” Dennis said. “Some people are coming across them on their property. We're asking them not to pull them, just call us and we'll come out and get them.”
Getting involved in these situations can pose a serious danger, he said.
“Sometimes they go to great lengths to protect them, so they'll have people living in” the marijuana farms, Dennis said. “In this particular case they were living out there in a shed.”
Charged with production of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking are Baojun Zheng, 48, from Toronto, De Quan Liu, 54, from New York State, Wing Kwan, 49, from Toronto and a female Xiaomin Li, 40, from Markham. All were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear in Orillia Court on Tuesday, June 30.
'Alpha Dog' dealer claims he feared police
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) — An admitted marijuana supplier accused of kidnapping a 15-year-old boy over a drug debt and ordering his death testified at his murder trial that he fled the country for nearly five years because he thought police would kill him on sight.
Under cross-examination Wednesday, Jesse James Hollywood repeated his previous contention that he took Nicholas Markowitz in 2000 but neither ordered nor was present at his slaying, which inspired the 2007 movie "Alpha Dog."
Prosecutors contend that Hollywood, 29, and two friends kidnapped Markowitz from Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley on Aug. 6, 2000, because his half brother, Ben Markowitz, owed a drug debt. Prosecutors have said it was $1,200; Hollywood testified he was owed $2,500.
The teenager was taken to Santa Barbara, where he was held for several days, during which he smoked marijuana and drank with his kidnappers.
"There were girls, weed and beer, and they were hanging out," Hollywood testified in Santa Barbara County Superior Court. "I asked Nick if he wanted to come back to the Valley, and he said, 'No, I'm cool."'
FIND MORE STORIES IN: Alpha Dog | Jesse James Hollywood | Nicholas Markowitz
On Aug. 8, Markowitz was driven away by two Hollywood associates on what was supposed to be a trip home, Hollywood testified.
He said he learned a couple of days later that instead the boy was shot and buried in the foothills near Santa Barbara.
After the killing, Hollywood said he believed police would shoot him on sight and fled. He lived in Colorado, the Mojave Desert and Canada — which he found too cold — before he saw the 1984 comedy film "Blame It on Rio" and decided to head to Brazil.
There, he sold vacation properties and fathered a now-3-year-old boy before his arrest in 2005.
"You knew you couldn't be extradited if you had a child there, right?" Lynn asked.
Hollywood said he learned about that rule only after arriving in Brazil. The mother of his child was six months pregnant when he was arrested.
Marijuana, Cash Found in Crash Wreckage
Published : Friday, 26 Jun 2009, 12:41 PM MDT
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A private plane that crashed in Arizona this week, killing four people, carried more than 12 pounds of marijuana and more than $8,000 in cash.
Cmdr. Bob Sutton of the Navajo County Sheriff's Office said the drugs and money were in the rear of the wreckage, stashed separately in a suitcase and a purse. The plane was headed to the
Austin, Texas, area.
Wednesday's fiery crash outside at the Holbrook airport killed the pilot and owner of the Beechcraft Bonanza, 45-year-old David Tuntland of Cedar Park, Texas, as well as three passengers.
More News »
Sutton identified other victims as 42-year-old Catherine Perando-Gordon of Cedar Park and 21-year-old Kyle Peters of Santa Rosa, Calif. Authorities are withholding the name of the fourth victim, whose parents haven't been notified.
The twin-engine plane was returning from California when it stopped in Holbrook to refuel. Sutton said the pilot had said he felt sick to his stomach and had lain down for about an hour while the plane refueled.
After the plane took off, it took a sharp left turn and came straight down and burst into flames, Sutton said. The tail section did not burn.
Authorities said the plane had landed at the Holbrook airport on Tuesday on its way to California.
Tom Vinger, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said he wouldn't confirm or deny any type of investigation.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board examined the wreckage Thursday and said it would be taken to a salvage yard in Phoenix.
A message left with the NTSB on Friday morning was not immediately returned.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A private plane that crashed in Arizona this week, killing four people, carried more than 12 pounds of marijuana and more than $8,000 in cash.
Cmdr. Bob Sutton of the Navajo County Sheriff's Office said the drugs and money were in the rear of the wreckage, stashed separately in a suitcase and a purse. The plane was headed to the
Austin, Texas, area.
Wednesday's fiery crash outside at the Holbrook airport killed the pilot and owner of the Beechcraft Bonanza, 45-year-old David Tuntland of Cedar Park, Texas, as well as three passengers.
More News »
Sutton identified other victims as 42-year-old Catherine Perando-Gordon of Cedar Park and 21-year-old Kyle Peters of Santa Rosa, Calif. Authorities are withholding the name of the fourth victim, whose parents haven't been notified.
The twin-engine plane was returning from California when it stopped in Holbrook to refuel. Sutton said the pilot had said he felt sick to his stomach and had lain down for about an hour while the plane refueled.
After the plane took off, it took a sharp left turn and came straight down and burst into flames, Sutton said. The tail section did not burn.
Authorities said the plane had landed at the Holbrook airport on Tuesday on its way to California.
Tom Vinger, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, said he wouldn't confirm or deny any type of investigation.
Investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board examined the wreckage Thursday and said it would be taken to a salvage yard in Phoenix.
A message left with the NTSB on Friday morning was not immediately returned.
A casket minus a cadaver yielded nearly 100 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in Dallas.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A casket minus a cadaver yielded nearly 100 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in Dallas.
William Dale Crock of Cave City, Ark., was in jail Friday on a marijuana possession charge, plus traffic and seat belt violations.
Dallas police say Crock was arrested Wednesday when bundles of marijuana were discovered under the casket's cover and pillow.
The Dallas Morning News reports the bust began with surveillance on a suspected drug house and the loading of a van. Police followed the vehicle, pulling it over on suspected traffic violations.
A drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to the marijuana.
The online records of the Lew Sterrett Justice Center had no listing for an attorney for Crock. Police did not immediately return a message for further details.
A casket minus a cadaver yielded nearly 100 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in Dallas.
William Dale Crock of Cave City, Ark., was in jail Friday on a marijuana possession charge, plus traffic and seat belt violations.
Dallas police say Crock was arrested Wednesday when bundles of marijuana were discovered under the casket's cover and pillow.
The Dallas Morning News reports the bust began with surveillance on a suspected drug house and the loading of a van. Police followed the vehicle, pulling it over on suspected traffic violations.
A drug-sniffing dog alerted officers to the marijuana.
The online records of the Lew Sterrett Justice Center had no listing for an attorney for Crock. Police did not immediately return a message for further details.
Family members get prison for marijuana grow operation
Published: 06/27/09 12:05 am
Five South King County family members were sentenced to prison Friday for growing thousands of marijuana plants inside houses in Kent, Federal Way and Des Moines, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported.
The five men were among 17 family members initially arrested after a Drug Enforcement Agency raid last September.
Ton Chi Duong, 60, of Kent, characterized by prosecutors as the family patriarch, received a five-year sentence, enhanced because police found a firearm in his grow house. Bao V. Duong, 54, of Federal Way received a 42-month sentence, also enhanced by a firearms charge. Police found an AK-47 assault rifle in his house. Also sentenced Friday were Hoi Van Ngo, 41, of Des Moines; Dung Duong, 31, of Kent; and Frank Vuu, 48, of Kent, all of whom were sentenced to 18 months.
Three additional family members have been charged in the case. One of them has entered a guilty plea and is scheduled to be sentenced in July, according to federal prosecutors.
Five South King County family members were sentenced to prison Friday for growing thousands of marijuana plants inside houses in Kent, Federal Way and Des Moines, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported.
The five men were among 17 family members initially arrested after a Drug Enforcement Agency raid last September.
Ton Chi Duong, 60, of Kent, characterized by prosecutors as the family patriarch, received a five-year sentence, enhanced because police found a firearm in his grow house. Bao V. Duong, 54, of Federal Way received a 42-month sentence, also enhanced by a firearms charge. Police found an AK-47 assault rifle in his house. Also sentenced Friday were Hoi Van Ngo, 41, of Des Moines; Dung Duong, 31, of Kent; and Frank Vuu, 48, of Kent, all of whom were sentenced to 18 months.
Three additional family members have been charged in the case. One of them has entered a guilty plea and is scheduled to be sentenced in July, according to federal prosecutors.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Trooper Finds Marijuana Grow Operation After 911 Hang-Up
MACY, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - A Macy couple is behind bars facing Class D felony drug charges after an Indiana state police officer checking up on a hang-up 911 call from the couple found marijuana growing in their basement Friday afternoon.
Trooper Joe Swisher arrived at 1899 East County Road 1100 North after he was advised about a 911 call from the residence at that address which ended abruptly without anyone even speaking to the emergency dispatcher, police say.
Swisher found residents Mark Friedersdorf, 44, and his wife, Becky Friedersdorf, 47, at the home. Becky told the officer she had called 911 after her husband allegedly intentionally rammed his head into a wall inside the home during an argument. She explained that her husband hung up the phone before she got a chance to speak, according to police.
While speaking with the couple, Swisher reportedly noticed a strong smell of marijuana. Upon investigation, Swisher discovered 10 marijuana plants, hanging to dry, in a bedroom closet. He then obtained a search warrant from a Miami Superior Court. Officers went back to the home and found an active marijuana grow operation in the basement. Officers seized an additional 72 marijuana plants, hydroponic growing equipment, 12 long guns, three handguns and drug paraphernalia, according to police.
The couple was arrested and taken to the Miami County Jail. They face class D felony charges for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana over 30 grams and maintaining a common nuisance. They face a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia. Mark Friedersdorf faces an additional misdemeanor charge for interfering with the reporting of a crime.
Trooper Joe Swisher arrived at 1899 East County Road 1100 North after he was advised about a 911 call from the residence at that address which ended abruptly without anyone even speaking to the emergency dispatcher, police say.
Swisher found residents Mark Friedersdorf, 44, and his wife, Becky Friedersdorf, 47, at the home. Becky told the officer she had called 911 after her husband allegedly intentionally rammed his head into a wall inside the home during an argument. She explained that her husband hung up the phone before she got a chance to speak, according to police.
While speaking with the couple, Swisher reportedly noticed a strong smell of marijuana. Upon investigation, Swisher discovered 10 marijuana plants, hanging to dry, in a bedroom closet. He then obtained a search warrant from a Miami Superior Court. Officers went back to the home and found an active marijuana grow operation in the basement. Officers seized an additional 72 marijuana plants, hydroponic growing equipment, 12 long guns, three handguns and drug paraphernalia, according to police.
The couple was arrested and taken to the Miami County Jail. They face class D felony charges for cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana over 30 grams and maintaining a common nuisance. They face a misdemeanor charge for possession of drug paraphernalia. Mark Friedersdorf faces an additional misdemeanor charge for interfering with the reporting of a crime.
Los Angeles marijuana store robbed of pot, cash
LOS ANGELES – Robbers in ski masks got away with pot and cash in a stickup at a Los Angeles medical marijuana store.
Police spokesman Richard French says three gunmen held up the Gourmet Green Room dispensary shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday.
The robbers took about $15,000 in cash and an undisclosed amount of marijuana and fled in a silver Cadillac driven by a fourth man.
Authorities say customers were in the store at the time but nobody was hurt.
Investigators are trying to determine if the crime is linked to a similar holdup at a medical marijuana facility in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.
Police spokesman Richard French says three gunmen held up the Gourmet Green Room dispensary shortly before 11 p.m. Thursday.
The robbers took about $15,000 in cash and an undisclosed amount of marijuana and fled in a silver Cadillac driven by a fourth man.
Authorities say customers were in the store at the time but nobody was hurt.
Investigators are trying to determine if the crime is linked to a similar holdup at a medical marijuana facility in Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley.
2 men arrested in Norwalk after dumping marijuana from plane
NORWALK, Ohio — Two New Mexico men have been arrested here for trafficking marijuana into Ohio and unsuccessfully trying to dump the drugs from an airplane, the Huron County Sheriff’s Office said.
Ryan C. Thomas, 47, of Albuquerque and Greg J. Baca, 47, of Los Alamos are each charged with one count of trafficking marijuana, a second degree felony.
Both are being held on $100,000 bonds and have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Friday in Norwalk Municipal Court.
The men, suspected of being involved in a drug trafficking plot, were flying a single engine, 1963 Mooney airplane from New Mexico toward Akron Wednesday evening.
They were followed by a border patrol jet, working with U.S. Homeland Security, into the area.
When the plane flew near Willard, the pilot became suspicious he was being followed and descended enough for the passenger to throw a duffle bag with about 20 to 25 pounds of packaged marijuana into a field near May Road and State Rt. 598 south of Willard, Sheriff’s deputies said.
A witness spotted the bag dropped from the plane and contacted authorities.
The plane continued to Norwalk-Huron County Airport where it landed and canine units alerted authorities to the smell of marijuana on the plane.
Ryan C. Thomas, 47, of Albuquerque and Greg J. Baca, 47, of Los Alamos are each charged with one count of trafficking marijuana, a second degree felony.
Both are being held on $100,000 bonds and have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Friday in Norwalk Municipal Court.
The men, suspected of being involved in a drug trafficking plot, were flying a single engine, 1963 Mooney airplane from New Mexico toward Akron Wednesday evening.
They were followed by a border patrol jet, working with U.S. Homeland Security, into the area.
When the plane flew near Willard, the pilot became suspicious he was being followed and descended enough for the passenger to throw a duffle bag with about 20 to 25 pounds of packaged marijuana into a field near May Road and State Rt. 598 south of Willard, Sheriff’s deputies said.
A witness spotted the bag dropped from the plane and contacted authorities.
The plane continued to Norwalk-Huron County Airport where it landed and canine units alerted authorities to the smell of marijuana on the plane.
NJ Man Looking to Buy Marijuana Accidentally Texts Cop
SALEM, N.J. (WPIX) - A New Jersey man looking to buy marijuana is under arrest after accidentally text messaging a cop. Police Chief John Pelura III said Friday that an off-duty corporal received the text message on his personal cell phone this week.
Pelura said the suspect had misdialed a number, getting the cell phone of Cpl. Christopher Pew instead of his dealer.
"Basically in the text, he described what vehicle he was driving and where they would meet," Pelura said.
Pew says he didn't know who sent him the text, or whether or not it was serious. So, he agreed to meet the texter at a local shopping center in a sting operation.
That later led to the arrest of 22-year-old John Milligan and 20-year-old Kelly Reilly of Pennsville. The pair has been charged with loitering to commit a controlled dangerous substance offense. They were both arrested and released on a summons complaint.
Pelura said the suspect had misdialed a number, getting the cell phone of Cpl. Christopher Pew instead of his dealer.
"Basically in the text, he described what vehicle he was driving and where they would meet," Pelura said.
Pew says he didn't know who sent him the text, or whether or not it was serious. So, he agreed to meet the texter at a local shopping center in a sting operation.
That later led to the arrest of 22-year-old John Milligan and 20-year-old Kelly Reilly of Pennsville. The pair has been charged with loitering to commit a controlled dangerous substance offense. They were both arrested and released on a summons complaint.
Major marijuana bust in Palo Alto
PALO ALTO -- One of the largest drug raids in Palo Alto history took place on Friday. Palo alto's SWAT team and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Marijuana Eradication Team seized more than 5,500 marijuana plants after discovering them in a hilly area with heavy brush.
Two men reportedly fled the scene of the raid in the foothills above Page Mill Road and have not been apprehended. The men were heard yelling when officers arrived. The SWAT team also recovered two air rifles and a loaded shotgun at the farm.
The street value of the plants was estimated at $15 million.
Two men reportedly fled the scene of the raid in the foothills above Page Mill Road and have not been apprehended. The men were heard yelling when officers arrived. The SWAT team also recovered two air rifles and a loaded shotgun at the farm.
The street value of the plants was estimated at $15 million.
Teacher suspected of sharing marijuana
A Corona del Mar High School teacher who some students said blurred the line between professor and peer was arrested on suspicion of giving marijuana to a Newport Harbor student, police said Tuesday.
Chad Edward Smith, 37, who teaches math, was arrested Thursday afternoon at his Newport Beach home after police said they investigated a parent’s concern that their teenager was smoking marijuana with the instructor.
“He didn’t make that barrier like ‘I’m a teacher. You’re a student,’” said junior Caroline Eskew, 17. “Anyone felt like they could go to him with anything.”
Police said last week they received a call from a concerned Newport Harbor High School parent. The parent had seen a text message on their 16-year-old son’s phone from Smith that contained a conversation about smoking marijuana together, Lt. Craig Fox said.
Police then contacted the teenager, who confirmed his mother’s suspicions, Fox said.
Authorities said Smith knew the student through a chance meeting at a restaurant.
Attempts to reach Smith for comment were unsuccessful Tuesday.
Authorities went to Smith’s house Thursday with a search warrant and found a small amount of marijuana and text messages on his phone and arrested him, officials said. He bailed out of Newport Beach jail on a $50,000 warrant later that evening.
Smith has been placed on paid administrative leave while the district investigates, Newport-Mesa Unified spokeswoman Laura Boss said.
Among the school’s students, even those who weren’t in his class, Smith had a reputation for connecting with them and having a fun class, even letting kids listen to their iPods in between assignments and throwing parties once a week.
“When you walked by his room, it made you feel happy,” Eskew said. “He made learning fun.”
“Nice guy, funny...cool,” said Pete Kitzens, 18. “When I worked up in the office, I’d see him come in and he’d talk. He always joked.”
Chad Edward Smith, 37, who teaches math, was arrested Thursday afternoon at his Newport Beach home after police said they investigated a parent’s concern that their teenager was smoking marijuana with the instructor.
“He didn’t make that barrier like ‘I’m a teacher. You’re a student,’” said junior Caroline Eskew, 17. “Anyone felt like they could go to him with anything.”
Police said last week they received a call from a concerned Newport Harbor High School parent. The parent had seen a text message on their 16-year-old son’s phone from Smith that contained a conversation about smoking marijuana together, Lt. Craig Fox said.
Police then contacted the teenager, who confirmed his mother’s suspicions, Fox said.
Authorities said Smith knew the student through a chance meeting at a restaurant.
Attempts to reach Smith for comment were unsuccessful Tuesday.
Authorities went to Smith’s house Thursday with a search warrant and found a small amount of marijuana and text messages on his phone and arrested him, officials said. He bailed out of Newport Beach jail on a $50,000 warrant later that evening.
Smith has been placed on paid administrative leave while the district investigates, Newport-Mesa Unified spokeswoman Laura Boss said.
Among the school’s students, even those who weren’t in his class, Smith had a reputation for connecting with them and having a fun class, even letting kids listen to their iPods in between assignments and throwing parties once a week.
“When you walked by his room, it made you feel happy,” Eskew said. “He made learning fun.”
“Nice guy, funny...cool,” said Pete Kitzens, 18. “When I worked up in the office, I’d see him come in and he’d talk. He always joked.”
CBP seize $501,000 of marijuana at Douglas Port
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 4:13 PM MDT
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a marijuana smuggling attempt when they seized $501,000 of marijuana.
On Saturday, May 23 at about 4 p.m., CBP Officers became suspicious of a 2002 F-150 that was carrying a complete living room set of furniture.
The truck was being driven by a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas Nevada. CBP Officers searched the vehicle and discovered packages concealed in the upholstery of the furniture. CBP Officers seized more than 300 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $501,000.
CBP Officers seized the vehicle and marijuana. The Las Vegas man was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Another smuggling attempt nets $183,000 in drugs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a marijuana smuggling attempt when they seized $183,000 of marijuana.
On Friday the 22nd at about noon, CBP Officers became suspicious of a 1996 F-150 that was being driven by a 46-year-old man from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. CBP Officers searched the vehicle and discovered packages concealed in all 4 tires the vehicle. CBP Officers seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $183,000.
CBP Officers seized the vehicle and marijuana. The Agua Prieta man was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a marijuana smuggling attempt when they seized $501,000 of marijuana.
On Saturday, May 23 at about 4 p.m., CBP Officers became suspicious of a 2002 F-150 that was carrying a complete living room set of furniture.
The truck was being driven by a 27-year-old man from Las Vegas Nevada. CBP Officers searched the vehicle and discovered packages concealed in the upholstery of the furniture. CBP Officers seized more than 300 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $501,000.
CBP Officers seized the vehicle and marijuana. The Las Vegas man was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.
A criminal complaint is simply the method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Another smuggling attempt nets $183,000 in drugs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers stopped a marijuana smuggling attempt when they seized $183,000 of marijuana.
On Friday the 22nd at about noon, CBP Officers became suspicious of a 1996 F-150 that was being driven by a 46-year-old man from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. CBP Officers searched the vehicle and discovered packages concealed in all 4 tires the vehicle. CBP Officers seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $183,000.
CBP Officers seized the vehicle and marijuana. The Agua Prieta man was turned over to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further investigation.
Siblings caught running marijuana operation PDF Print E-mail
Monday, 22 June 2009
A man and woman were arrested Thursday for the manufacture/cultivation of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession with intent to distribute schedule I – marijuana.
Lacharity Danyell Lewis, 26, of Cullen, Louisiana and her half brother Martellius Jarode Glenn, 23, of Shreveport were arrested yesterday on multiple charges.
Deputies responded to a call in the 300 block of Leila Road in Plain Dealing yesterday evening when a caller stated there was marijuana being grown at this residence.
The complainant stated that the home was her deceased ex-husband’s home and was being occupied by Lewis and Glenn, his daughter and step-son.
After receiving consent to search the home and the storage shed, deputies found several marijuana plants. Fifty bags of marijuana packed for resale and several empty small bags were found in plain view in a back bedroom lying next to Lewis’s personal items.
She stated that she and her brother had been staying at the house and had changed the locks on the residence a week and a half ago.
The brother and sister were transferred to Bossier Maximum Security Facility and booked. Their bonds are pending.
A man and woman were arrested Thursday for the manufacture/cultivation of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession with intent to distribute schedule I – marijuana.
Lacharity Danyell Lewis, 26, of Cullen, Louisiana and her half brother Martellius Jarode Glenn, 23, of Shreveport were arrested yesterday on multiple charges.
Deputies responded to a call in the 300 block of Leila Road in Plain Dealing yesterday evening when a caller stated there was marijuana being grown at this residence.
The complainant stated that the home was her deceased ex-husband’s home and was being occupied by Lewis and Glenn, his daughter and step-son.
After receiving consent to search the home and the storage shed, deputies found several marijuana plants. Fifty bags of marijuana packed for resale and several empty small bags were found in plain view in a back bedroom lying next to Lewis’s personal items.
She stated that she and her brother had been staying at the house and had changed the locks on the residence a week and a half ago.
The brother and sister were transferred to Bossier Maximum Security Facility and booked. Their bonds are pending.
Coast Guard seizes $2.3 million worth of marijuana
MIAMI: The Coast Guard says it has seized nearly 1,250 pounds of marijuana worth about $2.5 million off the coast of Miami.
Crew members from the Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin located a vessel traveling west from Bimini, Bahamas.
The crew boarded the vessel to conduct an initial safety inspection and made a plain view discovery of the marijuana.
The Coast Guard says it offloaded the 115 bricks of marijuana June 13.
The two suspected smugglers aboard the vessel were detained and transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Their names were not released.
The vessel and the marijuana were transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Miami.
Crew members from the Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin located a vessel traveling west from Bimini, Bahamas.
The crew boarded the vessel to conduct an initial safety inspection and made a plain view discovery of the marijuana.
The Coast Guard says it offloaded the 115 bricks of marijuana June 13.
The two suspected smugglers aboard the vessel were detained and transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. Their names were not released.
The vessel and the marijuana were transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Miami.
Marijuana Smoke on California Cancer List
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Marijuana smoke has joined tobacco smoke and hundreds of other chemicals on a list of substances that California regulators say cause cancer.
The decision, made by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment on Friday, is likely to force medical marijuana dispensaries with 10 or more employees to post warnings. Final rules are expected by the time warning requirements take effect in a year.
An agency spokesman, Sam Delson, said the office found that marijuana smoke contained 33 of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke. He said the findings came from a review of more than 30 scientific papers.
California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn consumers of chemicals that cause cancer or reproductive harm.
The decision, made by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment on Friday, is likely to force medical marijuana dispensaries with 10 or more employees to post warnings. Final rules are expected by the time warning requirements take effect in a year.
An agency spokesman, Sam Delson, said the office found that marijuana smoke contained 33 of the same harmful chemicals as tobacco smoke. He said the findings came from a review of more than 30 scientific papers.
California’s Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn consumers of chemicals that cause cancer or reproductive harm.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Los Angeles plans marijuana clinic purge
LOS ANGELES, -- The Los Angeles City Council launched a crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries after learning the number has tripled since a 2007 moratorium.
The city now has at least 600 dispensaries, up from 186 in 2007, the Los Angeles Times reported. The new dispensaries have been exploiting a part of the law that allow them to remain open while appealing for hardship exemptions.
"We know that time is passing. We'll close the loopholes, plug these floodgates," Councilman Ed Reyes said Tuesday.
The council voted Tuesday to stop accepting new hardship applications on top of the backlog of about 550. It also rejected applications from about 12 dispensaries.
A new draft ordinance includes a provision that would require dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, playgrounds and other places with large numbers of children.
Some owners feel whipsawed. Edward Hovnanyan of L.A. Collective, which is across the street from a library, said he worked closely with local officials.
"I spent so much money, so much time, now I'm facing maybe being shut down," he said. "If something's wrong, something's not right, why did government not stop me?"
Deputies shut down marijuana grow house
CHARLOTTE COUNTY: Charlotte County deputies shut down an alleged marijuana grow house on Shannon Avenue in Port Charlotte Wednesday.
Deputies served a search warrant on the home at 21455 Shannon Avenue.
Inside, they say they found 30 potted plants in their early growing stage.
Narcotics detectives found special lighting, fertilizers, irrigation systems, cooling systems and diverted electricity.
Charlotte County deputies believe the home has been used as a grow house since 2007 and may have had a recent harvest.
The raid was part of Operation Eagle Claw, an operation involving law enforcement in Florida, Tennessee and Georgia, targeting grow houses.
No arrests have been made.
Troopers intercept Texas marijuana
Arkansas State Police intercepted a truck carrying marijuana to Franklin, Tenn., during a routine traffic stop Wednesday night east of Forrest City.
The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche was driven by Amber Nicole Perry, 28, of Franklin, as it was stopped about 10 p.m., when the trooper noticed there were no indicator lamps on the vehicle.
Perry told the trooper she and the vehicle’s passengers, which included a 14-month-old girl, were traveling from the Fort Worth, Texas area to Tennessee.
According to the arrest report, the trooper said Perry almost “started to cry” when he asked her about drugs in the vehicle.
Inside the locked bed of the truck, the trooper found a “large plastic Ziploc bag about three feet long that contained seven bricks of marijuana.” The marijuana weighed about 20 pounds, and has an estimated street value of about $30,000.
The trooper found two bags of marijuana while searching Perry’s purse. Perry told the officer that she is pregnant and “smokes marijuana everyday to help her stomach.”
Perry is charged with no indicator lamps, felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, felony drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Three passengers, Ramiro Montana, 44, of Franklin and Marilyn Mangrum McCoy, 48, and Humberto Salas, 40, both of Columbia, Tenn., are each charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, felony drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a minor.
The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche was driven by Amber Nicole Perry, 28, of Franklin, as it was stopped about 10 p.m., when the trooper noticed there were no indicator lamps on the vehicle.
Perry told the trooper she and the vehicle’s passengers, which included a 14-month-old girl, were traveling from the Fort Worth, Texas area to Tennessee.
According to the arrest report, the trooper said Perry almost “started to cry” when he asked her about drugs in the vehicle.
Inside the locked bed of the truck, the trooper found a “large plastic Ziploc bag about three feet long that contained seven bricks of marijuana.” The marijuana weighed about 20 pounds, and has an estimated street value of about $30,000.
The trooper found two bags of marijuana while searching Perry’s purse. Perry told the officer that she is pregnant and “smokes marijuana everyday to help her stomach.”
Perry is charged with no indicator lamps, felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, felony drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Three passengers, Ramiro Montana, 44, of Franklin and Marilyn Mangrum McCoy, 48, and Humberto Salas, 40, both of Columbia, Tenn., are each charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, felony drug paraphernalia and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Man Grew Marijuana For 'School Project' 26-Year-Old Arrested On Drug Possession Charges
FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- A self-employed Fort Pierce man's school project landed him in jail.
Oulay Inthaphone, 26, was arrested Monday on drug possession charges.
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to his home after receiving an anonymous call that he was growing marijuana.
When deputies arrived and asked Inthaphone if he was growing marijuana, he admitted he was growing a plant for a "school project," the arrest affidavit said.
Deputies said they also found a marijuana pipe in the living room, marijuana blunts and stems on the couch and about 12 Ecstasy pills on the bedroom nightstand.
Oulay Inthaphone, 26, was arrested Monday on drug possession charges.
St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to his home after receiving an anonymous call that he was growing marijuana.
When deputies arrived and asked Inthaphone if he was growing marijuana, he admitted he was growing a plant for a "school project," the arrest affidavit said.
Deputies said they also found a marijuana pipe in the living room, marijuana blunts and stems on the couch and about 12 Ecstasy pills on the bedroom nightstand.
Police find 135 marijuana plants
NOKOMIS, IL — A 53-year-old Desloge man was arrested Tuesday in Montgomery County, Ill., for allegedly having 135 cultivated cannabis (marijuana) plants.
According to a press release issued by the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force, the arrest resulted after a deputy responded to the area after a citizen filed a complaint with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department about a suspicious vehicle in the area. The deputy found the vehicle along with some cannabis plants.
The Desloge man was located in a nearby corn field by a Hillsboro Police Department K9 unit. Numerous other cannabis plants were found in the corn field.
Approximately 135 cultivated cannabis plants were seized. The Desloge man was transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was held on a $50,000 bond. The offense is considered a Class 2 felony. The felony carries a penalty which ranges from a fine and probation to a fine and imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The suspect’s name is being withheld pending the filing of formal charges.
According to a press release issued by the South Central Illinois Drug Task Force, the arrest resulted after a deputy responded to the area after a citizen filed a complaint with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department about a suspicious vehicle in the area. The deputy found the vehicle along with some cannabis plants.
The Desloge man was located in a nearby corn field by a Hillsboro Police Department K9 unit. Numerous other cannabis plants were found in the corn field.
Approximately 135 cultivated cannabis plants were seized. The Desloge man was transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was held on a $50,000 bond. The offense is considered a Class 2 felony. The felony carries a penalty which ranges from a fine and probation to a fine and imprisonment in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The suspect’s name is being withheld pending the filing of formal charges.
Six arrested on beach with boat-load of marijuana
IMPERIAL BEACH – Sheriff's deputies arrested six people early Thursday morning and confiscated 200 pounds of marijuana they said had just been brought into the country via boat.
The deputies were on routine patrol about 2 a.m. when they spotted three men wearing life jackets who had apparently waded ashore and another man at the foot of Sea Coast Drive hiding in some rocks, Sgt. Jerry Hartman said.
The men had four duffel bags filled with marijuana, Hartman said.
The men in life jackets had just been dropped off by someone in a boat and the fourth man was there to meet them, Hartman said. His car was in the parking lot, the sergeant said.
Deputies took them into custody and also arrested two men who were seen leaving the area in a car, Hartman said.
The three men in life jackets were determined to be in the country illegally from Mexico, Hartman said. The others were also from Mexico but had valid passports and visas.
All were booked into jail on suspicion of transportation of marijuana and criminal conspiracy, the sergeant said.
The street value of the drugs was not determined, but marijuana from Mexico typically sells for about $500 to $800 per pound, Hartman said.
The deputies were on routine patrol about 2 a.m. when they spotted three men wearing life jackets who had apparently waded ashore and another man at the foot of Sea Coast Drive hiding in some rocks, Sgt. Jerry Hartman said.
The men had four duffel bags filled with marijuana, Hartman said.
The men in life jackets had just been dropped off by someone in a boat and the fourth man was there to meet them, Hartman said. His car was in the parking lot, the sergeant said.
Deputies took them into custody and also arrested two men who were seen leaving the area in a car, Hartman said.
The three men in life jackets were determined to be in the country illegally from Mexico, Hartman said. The others were also from Mexico but had valid passports and visas.
All were booked into jail on suspicion of transportation of marijuana and criminal conspiracy, the sergeant said.
The street value of the drugs was not determined, but marijuana from Mexico typically sells for about $500 to $800 per pound, Hartman said.
Owyhee marijuana growers may have fled to Oregon
WYHEE COUNTY - Investigators say suspects believed to be behind a marijuana grow discovered in a rugged area of the Owyhee Mountains may have fled into Oregon. The investigation is ongoing, but at this point there is not enough evidence to make any charges, an Owyhee County sheriff's official said.
A combined team of about 16 men from the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office and the BLM investigated and raided the area on June 4th. Over 12,000 plants were pulled and destroyed.
Had the plants matured, the estimated street value would have been more than $6 million.
The remote area was accessible by foot only, Owhyee County Chief Deputy Bill Detweiler said.
"All that country out there is high desert, somewhere close to a mile high. That country's pretty carved up, a lot of canyon, a lot of rock - it's a pretty tough country."
It was a citizen tip that alerted Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials to the possible grow. Detweiler urged citizens to inform law enforcement if they see possible marijuana grows, but not confront suspects themselves.
"We want folks to be aware. Don't be brave, but any information they have we'd really appreciate it," the chief deputy said. "These guys are not only growing dope, which is illegal, but a lot of them are illegal and a lot of them are armed."
While he couldn't speculate on the national origin of those involved in this latest case, Detweiler said undocumented Mexican nationals are often used by cartels to manage U.S. grow operations.
"Sometimes they're growing because of threats to their family and sometimes they're growing because it's really...good money. The cartels might hold some of their families hostage. Or, in some cases, some people offer them five or six-thousand a month to go out in the bush," he said.
Detweiler said the presence of marijuana growers in the county damages not only the peace of mind of law-abiding local residents, but also hurts the environment through the uncontrolled use of dangerous pesticides and fertilizers.
"They are robbing from us in more ways than one," Detweiler said.
A combined team of about 16 men from the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office and the BLM investigated and raided the area on June 4th. Over 12,000 plants were pulled and destroyed.
Had the plants matured, the estimated street value would have been more than $6 million.
The remote area was accessible by foot only, Owhyee County Chief Deputy Bill Detweiler said.
"All that country out there is high desert, somewhere close to a mile high. That country's pretty carved up, a lot of canyon, a lot of rock - it's a pretty tough country."
It was a citizen tip that alerted Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials to the possible grow. Detweiler urged citizens to inform law enforcement if they see possible marijuana grows, but not confront suspects themselves.
"We want folks to be aware. Don't be brave, but any information they have we'd really appreciate it," the chief deputy said. "These guys are not only growing dope, which is illegal, but a lot of them are illegal and a lot of them are armed."
While he couldn't speculate on the national origin of those involved in this latest case, Detweiler said undocumented Mexican nationals are often used by cartels to manage U.S. grow operations.
"Sometimes they're growing because of threats to their family and sometimes they're growing because it's really...good money. The cartels might hold some of their families hostage. Or, in some cases, some people offer them five or six-thousand a month to go out in the bush," he said.
Detweiler said the presence of marijuana growers in the county damages not only the peace of mind of law-abiding local residents, but also hurts the environment through the uncontrolled use of dangerous pesticides and fertilizers.
"They are robbing from us in more ways than one," Detweiler said.
More than a ton of marijuana seized in Starr County
RIO GRANDE CITY / ROMA — U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than a ton of marijuana here over a two-day period.
On Monday, authorities tried pulling over the driver of a white 2000 Ford Expedition for speeding just north of the Rio Grande.
Agents followed the truck to a convenience store in Rio Grande City where the driver jumped out of the vehicle and fled. They found 1,353 pounds of marijuana inside the abandoned vehicle.
The next day, agents saw several males carrying bundles of marijuana west of the Rio Grande City-Camargo International Bridge.
The group left the load and fled south into Mexico when they spotted the agents.
The drugs weighed 244 pounds.
Also that day, agents working west of the Roma-Miguel Alemán International Bridge chased after seven people carrying a load of narcotics on their backs.
When the agents identified themselves, the smugglers dropped their cargo and ran into the brush. Agents seized seven large bundles of marijuana weighing a total of 468 pounds.
Combined, the seizures netted 2,065 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than $1.6 million.
No arrests were made.
BAG Unit raids marijuana growing operation
Law enforcement officals searched a home in the 1900 block of Sanders Road and found more than 400 marijuana plants growing there, according to a Cochise County Sheriff's Office press release issued late Monday.
On Friday, the Cochise County Border Alliance Group or BAG Unit - a multi-agency task force comprised of federal, state and county law enforcement personnel dealing only in narcotics related incidents, received information regarding several marijuana plants growing on property in Huachuca City.
As a result of that information, a search warrant was obtained for the home and the property where more than 400 marijuana plants were seized with an approximate weight of 140 pounds. A vehicle also was seized, according to the press release.
The investigation is being continued and charges are pending based upon additional information being processed and reviewed by the Cochise County Attorney.
On Friday, the Cochise County Border Alliance Group or BAG Unit - a multi-agency task force comprised of federal, state and county law enforcement personnel dealing only in narcotics related incidents, received information regarding several marijuana plants growing on property in Huachuca City.
As a result of that information, a search warrant was obtained for the home and the property where more than 400 marijuana plants were seized with an approximate weight of 140 pounds. A vehicle also was seized, according to the press release.
The investigation is being continued and charges are pending based upon additional information being processed and reviewed by the Cochise County Attorney.
Sheriff's Department seizes over 1,200 pounds of marijuana
A Brownsville man and his wife were arrested after Cameron County Sheriff's Department investigators found more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana in the couple's garage.
Filiberto Ortiz Rubio, 45, and his wife Martha Gabriela Rubio where charged with possession of marijuana, said Chief Deputy Gus Reyna.
The arrests took place Wednesday evening when the Sheriffs Department's Crimes Stoppers tip line received a call of drugs possibly being stashed at 1185 Fruitdale Drive, Reyna said.
"Members of the Special Investigations Unit went to the house and made contact with Filiberto Ortiz Rubio and Martha Gabriela Rubio," the spokesman said. "After receiving consent to search the residence, investigators began searching the house and noticed a strong odor of marijuana."
The smell was emanating from a 2003 dark-colored Chevrolet Suburban that was parked inside the garage.
Inside the truck, investigators found more than 60 bundles of marijuana weighing a total of 1,221 pounds, Reyna said. The drugs have an approximate street value of $300,000.
Agents Stop 225 Pounds Of Marijuana From Entering Mexico
EL PASO, Texas -- U.S. Border Patrol agents confiscated four large backpacks totaling 225 pounds of marijuana in Fort Hancock Thursday.
Spokesman Joe Perez said Border Patrol agents spotted four individuals carrying large backpacks near Interstate 10 in east El Paso. They were loading backpacks into a 1992 Toyota Camry on Interstate 10 and then started walking toward Mexico, said Perez.
Agents arrested a 22-year-old and 27-year-old.
A total of 228 pounds of marijuana was seized from the vehicle in sacks resembling backpacks.
Spokesman Joe Perez said Border Patrol agents spotted four individuals carrying large backpacks near Interstate 10 in east El Paso. They were loading backpacks into a 1992 Toyota Camry on Interstate 10 and then started walking toward Mexico, said Perez.
Agents arrested a 22-year-old and 27-year-old.
A total of 228 pounds of marijuana was seized from the vehicle in sacks resembling backpacks.
Indoor marijuana farm discovered in Ventura County
A Frazier Park property owner has been arrested after sheriff's deputies discovered more than 1,000 marijuana plants in an indoor farm on the remote Ventura County land.
Steven Kall, who lives in the suburban Los Angeles community of Granada Hills, was booked at Ventura County Jail on Tuesday for investigation of marijuana cultivation.
Deputies examining a malfunctioning power transformer noticed the smell of marijuana at the 54-year-old man's Lockwood Valley Road property.
Detectives were called and indoor pot grows were discovered in the main house, garage and an outbuilding. No one lives on the property.
Steven Kall, who lives in the suburban Los Angeles community of Granada Hills, was booked at Ventura County Jail on Tuesday for investigation of marijuana cultivation.
Deputies examining a malfunctioning power transformer noticed the smell of marijuana at the 54-year-old man's Lockwood Valley Road property.
Detectives were called and indoor pot grows were discovered in the main house, garage and an outbuilding. No one lives on the property.
10 charged in alleged marijuana ring
DENVER, Colo. - The Adams County District Attorney is charging ten people in connection with -what the DEA has called- one of the largest marijuana rings in the country. Court documents say the ring used several local Chinese restaurants to launder drug money.
Investigators say there were five so-called 'Chinese Brothers' who ran the operation. Earlier, the DEA said they bought more than a hundred high end homes and turned them into secret, massive marijuana grow operations, with thousands of pot plants in each house.
The new court documents also implicate politically connected Thornton restaurant owner, Dan Tang. He has not been arrested or officially accused of anything. But these and other court documents call the ring the "Dan Tang Drug Trafficking Operation."
They alleged Tang is one of the five drive lords.
According to the documents, Tang admitted to federal investigators that he supplied the front money to help buy some of the pot houses, helped launder the money and held hundreds of thousands of dollars of the drug ring's money.
According to the affidavit, he also told investigators he once asked former Thornton Mayor Noel Busck to hold $400,000 for him, after the police raids began.
The documents also reveal new information about a letter Tang received, warning him that police were on to him. As a result, the ring began taking down the pot houses and the DEA had to prematurely wrap up the investigation.
Tang says he does not know who wrote the letter, but FOX 31 earlier reported that investigators believe a police officer tipped-off Tang. There is an active investigation into who the officer was.
Tang did not want to comment on the case.
Burbank man arrested for marijuana possession
A rural Burbank man was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute after agents from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office discovered a marijuana growing operation in the man’s home.
David B. Armstrong, age 52 of rural Burbank, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Distribution of Marijuana, Ingestion of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was later released on bond.
“This is certainly one of the largest quantities of marijuana I’ve seen in one person’s possession,” said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe. Officers seized over 20 pounds of processed marijuana from the residence as well as items related to the growing and processing of the marijuana.
David B. Armstrong, age 52 of rural Burbank, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Distribution of Marijuana, Ingestion of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was later released on bond.
“This is certainly one of the largest quantities of marijuana I’ve seen in one person’s possession,” said Clay County Sheriff Andy Howe. Officers seized over 20 pounds of processed marijuana from the residence as well as items related to the growing and processing of the marijuana.
Marijuana Found In Fruit Truck Miami Man Arrested After Marijuana Found In Tractor-Trailer
YULEE, Fla. -- A Miami man was arrested in the early morning on charges of trying to smuggle marijuana out of state in a tractor-trailer hauling fruits and vegetables.
William Casanas, 38, of Miami was arrested on Thursday at 1 a.m. at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Interstate 95 just north of Jacksonville.
After sifting through tomatoes, cucumbers and melons, investigators with the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement discovered 87 pounds of marijuana.
Casanas was charged with trafficking marijuana and use of a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony. Before his arrest, he had left Miami and was supposed to deliver the cargo to New Jersey.
William Casanas, 38, of Miami was arrested on Thursday at 1 a.m. at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Interstate 95 just north of Jacksonville.
After sifting through tomatoes, cucumbers and melons, investigators with the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement discovered 87 pounds of marijuana.
Casanas was charged with trafficking marijuana and use of a commercial vehicle in the commission of a felony. Before his arrest, he had left Miami and was supposed to deliver the cargo to New Jersey.
900 POUNDS OF JAMAICAN MARIJUANA SEIZED NEAR HAITI
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - Police say they have seized nearly 900 pounds (400 kilogrammes) of marijuana from a Jamaican boat off Haiti's south coast.
UN police spokesman Fred Blaise says a patrol boat captured a 30-foot (9-metre) fibreglass boat Wednesday night and detained three men and one woman who were aboard.
The joint UN-Haitian operation took place near the barrier island of Ile-a-Vache.
Jamaican police have been fighting the drugs-for-guns trade between Jamaica and Haiti, in which the latter accepts narcotics for the exchange of weapons.
UN police spokesman Fred Blaise says a patrol boat captured a 30-foot (9-metre) fibreglass boat Wednesday night and detained three men and one woman who were aboard.
The joint UN-Haitian operation took place near the barrier island of Ile-a-Vache.
Jamaican police have been fighting the drugs-for-guns trade between Jamaica and Haiti, in which the latter accepts narcotics for the exchange of weapons.
Grow house' near DeLand yields 800 marijuana plants
Narcotics agents raided a marijuana "grow house" near DeLand, arrested the owner and seized more than 800 plants and nearly 10 pounds of cultivated pot, a sheriff's spokesman said Thursday.
Richard Leon Arthur, 58, was arrested Wednesday night after the West Volusia Narcotics Task Force raided his walled-in compound on Grand Avenue north of Wisconsin Avenue, Volusia County sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said.
While only 24 "infant" plants were found growing inside Arthur's 3,000-square-foot home, most of the plants and cultivated marijuana were found in a storage shed -- estimated at about 5,000 square feet -- with seven separate rooms devoted to growing marijuana, Davidson said.
When mature, the plants -- along with the cultivated marijuana -- would have fetched about $4.3 million on the streets, he said.
Agents also seized growing equipment such as lights, fans, pots, soil and a generator, as well as magazines devoted to growing marijuana. Drug paraphernalia and scales were confiscated, too.
An 8-foot concrete wall surrounds Arthur's 3 1/2 acres.
Arthur was charged with cultivation of marijuana. He was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail and in the process of posting $25,000 bail Thursday night.
The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are expected, Davidson said.
The grow house is the 15th authorities have discovered in Volusia County in the past four months.
An underground grow house in DeLeon Springs was raided in May that netted one arrest, 219 plants and 8 pounds of cultivated marijuana. Thirteen grow houses and 17 people were busted in mid-March in southwest Volusia County.
Several agencies assisted in Wednesday's raid.
Police seize 30 pounds of marijuana
YONKERS - Narcotics officers from the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the Yonkers Police Department arrested two people Thursday and seized 30 pounds of marijuana with a street value of up to $50,000.
Acting on a tip about the transfer of a large quantity of marijuana, county and Yonkers police placed a residence on Ridge Avenue under surveillance beginning at 11:30 a.m. Within the hour, they observed a woman place a large cardboard box on a wall outside the home and leave it unattended.
A short time later, investigators observed a Nissan Pathfinder drive slowly past the home on two occasions. On the third pass, the vehicle pulled into the driveway and the driver retrieved the box and placed it in the vehicle.
Police moved in to detain the driver while a Narcotics Detection Canine was brought to the scene. The dog indicated the presence of narcotics in the box and a search warrant was obtained.
Thirty pounds of high-grade marijuana with a street value between $35,000 and $50,000 was discovered in the box. The marijuana was concealed in a large Rubbermaid plastic container that had been glued shut and was wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap.
Arrested were Dexter Sims, 36, of the Bronx, charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the first degree, a felony; and Suzanne Ducasse, 39, of Yonkers. She is charged with criminal facilitation in the fourth degree, a misdemeanor. She is accused of allowing her home to be a drop-off point for the box while knowing that it contained marijuana. She was released on her own recognizance.
Acting on a tip about the transfer of a large quantity of marijuana, county and Yonkers police placed a residence on Ridge Avenue under surveillance beginning at 11:30 a.m. Within the hour, they observed a woman place a large cardboard box on a wall outside the home and leave it unattended.
A short time later, investigators observed a Nissan Pathfinder drive slowly past the home on two occasions. On the third pass, the vehicle pulled into the driveway and the driver retrieved the box and placed it in the vehicle.
Police moved in to detain the driver while a Narcotics Detection Canine was brought to the scene. The dog indicated the presence of narcotics in the box and a search warrant was obtained.
Thirty pounds of high-grade marijuana with a street value between $35,000 and $50,000 was discovered in the box. The marijuana was concealed in a large Rubbermaid plastic container that had been glued shut and was wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap.
Arrested were Dexter Sims, 36, of the Bronx, charged with criminal possession of marijuana in the first degree, a felony; and Suzanne Ducasse, 39, of Yonkers. She is charged with criminal facilitation in the fourth degree, a misdemeanor. She is accused of allowing her home to be a drop-off point for the box while knowing that it contained marijuana. She was released on her own recognizance.
County Set to Issue Medical Marijuana IDs
After years of challenging the state's medical marijuana law, county officials are on the verge of issuing ID cards to qualified patients.
More drug arrests of I-81 travelers; man claims mom made marijuana candy bars
For the third day in a row, Kingsport Police have made drug arrests at mile marker 59 of Interstate 81.
Since Tuesday, police have arrested three Brooklyn residents and several other out-of-towners traveling I-81 with marijuana and other drugs in their possession.
Thursday's arrests included a Williamsburg, Va., man who claimed his mother had given him homemade candy bars laced with marijuana for his trip.
About 7:40 p.m., Cpl. Tim Horne pulled over a Jeep clocked at 77 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The driver and passenger smelled of alcohol and admitted they'd been drinking earlier in the day, and the Jeep smelled faintly of marijuana, Horne said.
The driver, identified as Aaron Daniel Davidson, 31, Hampton, Va., was arrested for speeding and driving on a suspended license.
Horne then obtained consent to search the vehicle from Davidson's passenger, Michael John Thorgerson, 44, Williamsburg, Va., after he was identified as the Jeep's owner.
The search turned up two homemade chocolate candy bars with green leafy material sticking out of them in a cooler, Horne said.
Thorgerson told Horne that his mother had made the candy bars for him to take with him on their trip. Based on their texture and odor, Horne determined the plant material in candy bars was marijuana.
Thorgerson was then arrested for possession of marijuana.
Just a few hours earlier, Horne pulled over a Ford Taurus for speeding and arrested the driver and a passenger for marijuana possession.
That incident occurred about 1 p.m. near the same mile marker.
Horne issued the driver, Joshua Kyle Rosenthall, of Derwood, Md., a ticket for speeding and advised him and the rental car's other five passengers that he smelled marijuana.
He then asked all six occupants for consent to search the car and everything in it.
Upon giving their consent, Rosenthall and passenger Carolyn Chang Tai, Brooklyn, N.Y., both admitted having marijuana in duffel bags.
Horne searched the car and found marijuana in the bags they'd identified as their own.
Rosenthall and Tai were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.
On Wednesday, police pulled a Brooklyn, N.Y., man off the interstate after finding marijuana, mushrooms and LSD in a van Horne stopped for failing to yield.
The day before, police arrested a Brooklyn man and his wife, of Charlottesville, Va., for marijuana possession after a near-collision on I-81 prompted officers to stop the couple's RV.
Since Tuesday, police have arrested three Brooklyn residents and several other out-of-towners traveling I-81 with marijuana and other drugs in their possession.
Thursday's arrests included a Williamsburg, Va., man who claimed his mother had given him homemade candy bars laced with marijuana for his trip.
About 7:40 p.m., Cpl. Tim Horne pulled over a Jeep clocked at 77 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The driver and passenger smelled of alcohol and admitted they'd been drinking earlier in the day, and the Jeep smelled faintly of marijuana, Horne said.
The driver, identified as Aaron Daniel Davidson, 31, Hampton, Va., was arrested for speeding and driving on a suspended license.
Horne then obtained consent to search the vehicle from Davidson's passenger, Michael John Thorgerson, 44, Williamsburg, Va., after he was identified as the Jeep's owner.
The search turned up two homemade chocolate candy bars with green leafy material sticking out of them in a cooler, Horne said.
Thorgerson told Horne that his mother had made the candy bars for him to take with him on their trip. Based on their texture and odor, Horne determined the plant material in candy bars was marijuana.
Thorgerson was then arrested for possession of marijuana.
Just a few hours earlier, Horne pulled over a Ford Taurus for speeding and arrested the driver and a passenger for marijuana possession.
That incident occurred about 1 p.m. near the same mile marker.
Horne issued the driver, Joshua Kyle Rosenthall, of Derwood, Md., a ticket for speeding and advised him and the rental car's other five passengers that he smelled marijuana.
He then asked all six occupants for consent to search the car and everything in it.
Upon giving their consent, Rosenthall and passenger Carolyn Chang Tai, Brooklyn, N.Y., both admitted having marijuana in duffel bags.
Horne searched the car and found marijuana in the bags they'd identified as their own.
Rosenthall and Tai were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana.
On Wednesday, police pulled a Brooklyn, N.Y., man off the interstate after finding marijuana, mushrooms and LSD in a van Horne stopped for failing to yield.
The day before, police arrested a Brooklyn man and his wife, of Charlottesville, Va., for marijuana possession after a near-collision on I-81 prompted officers to stop the couple's RV.
Columbus, GA man whose father was killed in Wednesday raid gets bond on marijuana charges
Two drug transactions involving 4.5 grams of marijuana led authorities to arrest Darrick Brockington at the Gettysburg Way residence Wednesday where the suspect's father, 66-year-old Leroy Brockington, was fatally wounded in a shootout with sheriff's deputies, testimony in Columbus Municipal Court showed Friday.
Eric Stinson of the Muscogee Sheriff's Office told Judge Stephen Hyles that a "confidential informant" meeting Darrick Brockington in a "secure location" twice bought marijuana from the suspect, first purchasing two grams on May 19 and next buying 2.5 grams on June 4.
That's what led a team of law enforcement officers to the Brockington home off St. Marys Road about 9 p.m. Wednesday. When they tried to arrest the younger Brockington, they came under fire from the father. A deputy, David Batastini, was wounded. Another investigator, Tyler Findley, fired back, fatally wounding Leroy Brockington, whom a deputy coroner pronounced dead there at 9:30 p.m.
The sheriff's deputies were working with U.S. Marshals to carry out the operation.
Batastini was treated for his wounds and released. Sheriff John Darr said the investigator is recovering.
Questioned Friday in Municipal Court by Darrick Brockington's attorney, Stacey Jackson, Stinson said that once the suspect realized authorities had come to arrest him Wednesday, he tried neither to flee nor to destroy evidence. Hyles noted that Brockington's jail record showed no "holds" for outstanding warrants, and at Jackson's request, the judge granted Brockington a bond of $5,000 on each of two counts of selling marijuana. The case now goes to Superior Court.
Eric Stinson of the Muscogee Sheriff's Office told Judge Stephen Hyles that a "confidential informant" meeting Darrick Brockington in a "secure location" twice bought marijuana from the suspect, first purchasing two grams on May 19 and next buying 2.5 grams on June 4.
That's what led a team of law enforcement officers to the Brockington home off St. Marys Road about 9 p.m. Wednesday. When they tried to arrest the younger Brockington, they came under fire from the father. A deputy, David Batastini, was wounded. Another investigator, Tyler Findley, fired back, fatally wounding Leroy Brockington, whom a deputy coroner pronounced dead there at 9:30 p.m.
The sheriff's deputies were working with U.S. Marshals to carry out the operation.
Batastini was treated for his wounds and released. Sheriff John Darr said the investigator is recovering.
Questioned Friday in Municipal Court by Darrick Brockington's attorney, Stacey Jackson, Stinson said that once the suspect realized authorities had come to arrest him Wednesday, he tried neither to flee nor to destroy evidence. Hyles noted that Brockington's jail record showed no "holds" for outstanding warrants, and at Jackson's request, the judge granted Brockington a bond of $5,000 on each of two counts of selling marijuana. The case now goes to Superior Court.
Statewide Crackdown On Marijuana Grow Houses
Florida - Marijuana grow houses around the state are being raided and shutdown as part of a statewide initiative, Operation "Eagle Claw."
Operation "Eagle Claw" was formed by the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in an attempt to curb the spread of marijuana grow houses throughout the state. Every county in the state participated in the operation.
The U.S. Attorney's Office and the HIDTA Task Force will hold a news conference Friday afternoon in Miami to discuss the statewide results of the Operation. Acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman will be there along with Executive Director of South Florida HIDTA Tim Wagner, Miami Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and Miami Dade Police Director Robert Parker.
In raids on Thursday, grow houses were discovered in the Loxahatchee area of Palm Beach County, Collier County, and Pinellas County in St. Petersburg.
Operation "Eagle Claw" was formed by the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) in an attempt to curb the spread of marijuana grow houses throughout the state. Every county in the state participated in the operation.
The U.S. Attorney's Office and the HIDTA Task Force will hold a news conference Friday afternoon in Miami to discuss the statewide results of the Operation. Acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman will be there along with Executive Director of South Florida HIDTA Tim Wagner, Miami Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and Miami Dade Police Director Robert Parker.
In raids on Thursday, grow houses were discovered in the Loxahatchee area of Palm Beach County, Collier County, and Pinellas County in St. Petersburg.
Rhode Island Senate passes medical marijuana bill
PROVIDENCE (AP) — Rhode Island would be the third state in the nation and the first on the East Coast to allow non-profit stores to sell marijuana to medical patients under legislation approved Tuesday by state lawmakers.
The state Senate voted 30-2 to adopt a measure permitting three stores to sell marijuana to more than 680 patients registered with the state Department of Health. It now heads to Gov. Don Carcieri, who has previously vetoed bills legalizing marijuana for medical use.
Since 2006, Rhode Island patients suffering from conditions including chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease have been able to possess up to 12 marijuana plants and 2.5 ounces of the drug in a usable form. But buying marijuana remains illegal under state law, creating difficulties for patients who tried to obtain the drug.
"The Rhode Island Statehouse is on the cutting edge of helping people with severe health care problems," said Sen. Rhoda Perry, D-Providence, who sponsored the Senate bill. "Now patients will not be subjecting themselves to any harassment because we will have a well-regulated mechanism that will grow and distribute the marijuana."
Twelve other states allow for the medicinal use of marijuana, but Rhode Island would become only the third — after California and New Mexico — to create dispensaries.
"I think what will happen, assuming that programs work smoothly, is that other states will follow the example," said Bruce Mirken, spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project, a national advocacy group in Washington. "As a couple of states do it and the sky doesn't fall, we'll see more of them move in that direction."
Carcieri spokeswoman Amy Kempe said she could not comment on whether Carcieri would veto the measure, but the governor has larger concerns about weakening controlled substance laws and how to regulate the three "compassion centers."
The legislation has passed the House and Senate by veto-proof margins, with more than the 60% of lawmakers needed to overturn a veto.
The Rhode Island State Police have also voiced opposition to the measure, saying that authorities found California dispensaries to be drug trafficking organizations and fronts for organized crime.
George DesRoches, a Cranston native who smokes marijuana for chronic pain and fibromyalgia, said he's been held at gunpoint multiple times when trying to obtain the drug. DesRoches also said he's been robbed three times this year of the marijuana plants he grows.
DesRoches said approving dispensaries would help eliminate many of the issues for him and other patients.
"The number one advantage would be safety for all patients and availability for all patients. It's pretty simple," said DesRoches, who did not report the incidents to police.
President George W. Bush's administration had targeted California dispensaries, even if they complied with the state's marijuana law. However, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that President Obama's administration would not target marijuana dispensers that follow state law.
The state Senate voted 30-2 to adopt a measure permitting three stores to sell marijuana to more than 680 patients registered with the state Department of Health. It now heads to Gov. Don Carcieri, who has previously vetoed bills legalizing marijuana for medical use.
Since 2006, Rhode Island patients suffering from conditions including chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease have been able to possess up to 12 marijuana plants and 2.5 ounces of the drug in a usable form. But buying marijuana remains illegal under state law, creating difficulties for patients who tried to obtain the drug.
"The Rhode Island Statehouse is on the cutting edge of helping people with severe health care problems," said Sen. Rhoda Perry, D-Providence, who sponsored the Senate bill. "Now patients will not be subjecting themselves to any harassment because we will have a well-regulated mechanism that will grow and distribute the marijuana."
Twelve other states allow for the medicinal use of marijuana, but Rhode Island would become only the third — after California and New Mexico — to create dispensaries.
"I think what will happen, assuming that programs work smoothly, is that other states will follow the example," said Bruce Mirken, spokesman for the Marijuana Policy Project, a national advocacy group in Washington. "As a couple of states do it and the sky doesn't fall, we'll see more of them move in that direction."
Carcieri spokeswoman Amy Kempe said she could not comment on whether Carcieri would veto the measure, but the governor has larger concerns about weakening controlled substance laws and how to regulate the three "compassion centers."
The legislation has passed the House and Senate by veto-proof margins, with more than the 60% of lawmakers needed to overturn a veto.
The Rhode Island State Police have also voiced opposition to the measure, saying that authorities found California dispensaries to be drug trafficking organizations and fronts for organized crime.
George DesRoches, a Cranston native who smokes marijuana for chronic pain and fibromyalgia, said he's been held at gunpoint multiple times when trying to obtain the drug. DesRoches also said he's been robbed three times this year of the marijuana plants he grows.
DesRoches said approving dispensaries would help eliminate many of the issues for him and other patients.
"The number one advantage would be safety for all patients and availability for all patients. It's pretty simple," said DesRoches, who did not report the incidents to police.
President George W. Bush's administration had targeted California dispensaries, even if they complied with the state's marijuana law. However, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that President Obama's administration would not target marijuana dispensers that follow state law.
Suburban raid nets 47 pounds of marijuana
About 47 pounds of marijuana were reportedly seized during a raid on a north suburban Lake Villa residence.
Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Grop officials said Thursday the raid was conducted Monday in the 25000 block of Lehmann Boulevard following an investigation that began in early May, when agents reportedly developed information about "a large amount of drugs" coming out of the residence.
Along with the marijuana, which carries an estimated street value of $70,500, authorities said they seized eight ounces of cocaine, which has an estimated street value of $12,000.
Arrested and charged with three Class X felony charges each were 37-year-old Jason M. Keeley, who lived in the residence; 41-year-old Manuel Mata, of McHenry; and 29-year-old Jennifer Hroma, of Lake Villa.
All three were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver; unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver; and three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Grop officials said Thursday the raid was conducted Monday in the 25000 block of Lehmann Boulevard following an investigation that began in early May, when agents reportedly developed information about "a large amount of drugs" coming out of the residence.
Along with the marijuana, which carries an estimated street value of $70,500, authorities said they seized eight ounces of cocaine, which has an estimated street value of $12,000.
Arrested and charged with three Class X felony charges each were 37-year-old Jason M. Keeley, who lived in the residence; 41-year-old Manuel Mata, of McHenry; and 29-year-old Jennifer Hroma, of Lake Villa.
All three were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver; unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver; and three counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
Prison Term for a Seller of Medical Marijuana
A federal judge on Thursday sentenced the owner of a marijuana dispensary to a year in prison, a sign that providers of medical marijuana still face the possibility of jail time despite the Obama administration’s promise not to prosecute them if they comply with state law.
In imposing his sentence on Charles C. Lynch, who ran a dispensary in the surfing hamlet of Morro, Judge George H. Wu said the changed federal policy did not directly affect his ruling. But the judge talked at length about what he said were Mr. Lynch’s many efforts to follow California’s laws on marijuana dispensaries and the difficulty the judge had finding a loophole to avoid sending him to prison.
“I find I cannot get around the one-year sentence,” Judge Wu said of federal sentencing laws.
The judge said he had reduced the sentence from a mandatory five years because Mr. Lynch had no criminal record or history of violence, and did not fit the strict definition of a “leader” of a criminal enterprise.
Mr. Lynch, 47, was convicted last summer on five federal counts in connection with the running of his dispensary and the selling of medical marijuana to customers under 21.
Legal experts said the case highlighted the conflict between state and federal laws on medical marijuana. Federal law prohibits the cultivation, sale and use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, but 13 states allow it. In prosecuting for medical marijuana, the Bush administration had considered only federal laws.
Advocates of medical marijuana said the Lynch case would have a chilling effect on activities and undermine state laws. At his trial, and again in seeking leniency in his sentence, Mr. Lynch argued that he had complied with California’s law, which allows certain uses of marijuana with a doctor’s prescription.
“He is caught between California’s voter-approved medical marijuana system and the Bush administration’s single-minded effort to smother it,” said Stephen Gutwillig of the Drug Policy Alliance, an organization that favors a change in drug policy. “That Attorney General Holder changed federal policy three months ago only makes this miscarriage of justice all the more disturbing. Charlie is like a forgotten prisoner of war, abandoned after a truce was declared.”
The United States attorney for the Central District of California, Thomas P. O’Brien, said Mr. Lynch had violated state laws because he was not his customers’ main caregiver and provided no medical services beyond the marijuana sale.
Matthew Miller, a Justice Department spokesman, said that as a general rule “we are not prioritizing federal resources to go after individuals or organizations unless there is a violation of both federal and state law.”
More than 100 marijuana dispensaries — most in California — have been raided since 1996, when California voters passed Proposition 215, which sanctioned medical marijuana. About half the raids resulted in prosecutions, and about a dozen owners received prison sentences.
There are now about 25 pending federal prosecutions of medical marijuana dispensaries, most in California, said Kris Hermes, a spokesman for Americans for Safe Access, a medical marijuana advocacy organization.
Among them is a case against Virgil Grant, whose dispensary was raided twice in 2007. He is scheduled to go on trial in the fall. But unlike Mr. Lynch, Mr. Grant has a criminal record and so faces at least 10 years in prison.
Most advocates of medical marijuana agreed that Mr. Lynch presented the best face for a movement that has tried to cast itself as mainstream — like yoga and herbal medicine — and distance itself from recreational drug use and advocates for legalization of marijuana.
Mr. Lynch’s defense lawyer, Reuven Cohen, said he planned to appeal the sentence.
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