some recent busts..

[Carpet Muncher]

i pretty much check for busts every day.. i like to keep up with what's going on, and to remind myself to keep things tight. i thought others might also find the information beneficial... i'll either update this thread with new stories or start new ones, if there's any interest..



http://www.mapleridgenews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=46&cat=23&id=681224&more=

Cops seize 2,900 pot plants
Jul 01 2006

A marijuana grow-operation was discovered in five storage units at a Stewart Crescent facility on Thursday.

Ridge Meadows RCMP executed a search warrant at the premises located in the 20100 block after receiving reports of water leaking from one unit into another.

Police seized 2,900 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, estimated at a street value of $900,000.



http://www.9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUSA&IKOBJECTID=36368c5d-0abe-421a-006e-60b46514ca86&TEMPLATEID=4525fe63-ac1f-02d8-002a-f131478a1f55

Police find 65 pounds, 50 plants of marijuana in home

written by: Sara Gandy Web Producer
Created: 7/3/2006 3:06 PM MST

LARIMER COUNTY - Police seized 65 pounds of marijuana and 50 plants from the home of a man injured in an accident while trying to evade police.


On Sunday, police responded to a report of menacing at 181 Ramona Drive in Livermore and began their search for William Moylan, 36.

During the search, a rollover accident happened on County Road 74 East. Police realized that Moylan was the driver. Police said he managed to escape from the vehicle before they could arrest him.

Officers went to his home at 136 Haystack Drive where the female tenant, Michelle Wilson, allowed them to search for Moylan.

Unable to locate Moylan, police obtained a search warrant and found 65 pounds of marijuana and 50 plants under 17 grow bulbs inside the house.

During this time, Moylan returned home and was taken to Poudre Valley Hospital to be treated for injuries from the rollover. Deputies then moved him to Larimer County Detention Center where he was booked on various charges including reckless driving, felony menacing and three marijuana offenses, according to police.

Wilson was also taken to the detention center and booked on three marijuana offenses.


http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2006/07/01/news/0070106news06.txt

Marijuana growing operation discovered

BRODHEAD - The Stateline Area Narcotics Team (SLANT), along with members of the Green County Sheriff's Department, arrested a Brodhead man Friday after several marijuana plants reportedly were found growing on his property.

Ronald E. Roberson, 52, of the 1100 block of Shanghai Road, was arrested for manufacturing marijuana after officers executing a search warrant on the property and found a sophisticated indoor marijuana growing operation in an outbuilding. Police seized more than 200 suspected marijuana plants in various stages of growth, hydroponic growing equipment in the form of growing medium, fertilizers, pumps, high intensity lights, timers, fans and other growing materials.

DEA personnel on the scene estimate the street value of the marijuana at about $115,000.

Also seized were a number of drying marijuana plants, packaging materials, a scale and other paraphernalia used in growing, harvesting and ingesting marijuana. During the search, evidence also was discovered indicating the electrical lines supplying power to the growing operation had been diverted, bypassing the electric meter.

Roberson was taken to the Green County Jail where he is awaiting his initial court appearance. The incident remains under investigation.

SLANT is made up of officers from the Illinois State Police, Loves Park, Freeport, Roscoe, Monroe, Janesville and Beloit, as well as officers from the Green County, Lafayette County and Rock County sheriff's departments.



http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/06072006/3/montreal-firefighters-find-marijuana-grow-op.html

Firefighters find marijuana grow-op

Thu Jul 6, 12:52 PM

Montreal police are investigating a suspicious fire in the north end of the city after firefighters found what appeared to be a marijuana grow-op Thursday morning.

The fire broke out in a barber shop near 24th Avenue and Grandes-Prairies Boulevard just before 2 a.m.

Firefighters say the fire was quickly put out, and no one was injured, but when they evacuated an apartment above the barbershop, they spotted marijuana plants.

Police then joined the investigation.

"We seized over 80 plants of marijuana, 120 buds of marijuana, and all the equipment that was related to that growing op," said police spokesman Raphael Bergeron.

The occupant of the apartment has been taken in for questioning.

Police also said they found traces of material that could have been used to start the fire.

Bergeron says officers are trying to see if there's a link between the fire and the marijuana growing operation.

[Carpet Muncher]

http://www.mendocinobeacon.com/local/ci_4019447

Mountain Lion' defendants held over for trial in major marijuana bust

By Beacon Staff
Mendocino Beacon
07/06/2006 07:57:45 AM PDT

On June 22 at Ten Mile Court in Fort Bragg, Judge Jonathan Lehan held Russell and Sara Rexrode to answer for alleged felony marijuana cultivation, felony possession of marijuana for sale, unlawful possession of non-game bird parts (owl talons), and unlawful possession of a mountain lion kitten. Lehan also found that the Rexrodes possessed 35 weapons.

A team of wardens and sheriff's deputies discovered the marijuana in an Oct. 17, 2005 search under a warrant at 16311 Old Caspar Railroad Crossing Road, Fort Bragg. The search yielded 119 pounds of processed marijuana, 60 marijuana plants, 36 $100 bills, a homemade mountain lion cage, and handmade gauntlets and gloves for using mountain lion kittens to train dogs.

The Rexrodes' attorney from Los Angeles had sought to "traverse" the search warrant by alleging that material evidence was deliberately misstated or omitted in the affidavit. The warrant had been issued to search for evidence of illegal possession and treatment of mountain lion kittens. Department of Fish & Game Warden Lynette Shimek testified that an informant had witnessed one of the lion kittens being given to Russell Rexrode who stated he intended to "tame the kitten and then use it to train his dogs ...."

The warden testified that Russell Rexrode was tipped off. He then turned the kitten in to a Fort Bragg veterinarian to try to stop the search. The search was conducted anyway, seeking evidence of cages, traps and catchpoles used to handle wildlife.

Following a full day of testimony, Lehan ruled that there were no deliberate omissions or misstatements of material evidence and that the affidavit contained sufficient material facts to justify a search for evidence of animal cruelty. The Rexrodes then stipulated that evidence presented at the hearing could also qualify as a preliminary hearing. That is, rather than conducting a preliminary hearing that would essentially document the same evidence, the Rexrodes would simply stipulate to the court's findings.

Tim Stoen, prosecutor for the DA's office, said, "We are grateful for Judge Lehan's upholding the integrity and professionalism of Warden Shimek. She is a great warden, and deserved to be vindicated. This is a serious case and we are prepared to take it to trial."

District Attorney Norm Vroman added, "Mountain lions are a specially protected species. We appreciate Warden Shimek's diligence in this case. It was no easy task to organize all the evidence and to execute a warrant as efficiently as she did here."

The Rexrodes were ordered to appear in Ten Mile Court on July 18 for the setting a jury trial date. Russell Rexrode is represented by Lawrence A. Forbes of Los Angeles while Sara Rexrode's lawyer is Joy L. Wilensky of Fort Bragg.

[Carpet Muncher]

what a lousy time to go.. poor guy.

Odor control people!


http://www.kfvs12.com/global/story.asp?s=4915597&ClientType=Printable

By: Carly O'Keefe

Franklin County, IL - When police investigated a rural Franklin County man's death Monday night, they uncovered a massive marijuana growing operation.

Neighbors called police when they noticed 50-year-old Stephen Reese lying on his front porch. When police arrived they discovered Reese had passed away. No foul play was suspected, but when investigators entered the home to make sure no one else was inside the made quite a discovery.

"As you entered the house, you could smell the odor of the fresh marijuana, especially as you went further into the house towards the entrance to the basement where the operation was," said COMIT Drug Task Force Coordinator J.R. Moore.

Police discovered over 300 marijuana plants and an elaborate indoor growing operation in the basement; they discovered more while searching the grounds.

"They discovered 505 plants that had been transplanted outside for the season," said Moore.

COMIT Drug Task Force agents uprooted and confiscated close to 840 marijuana plants. The street value of what the plants were capable of producing is estimated at upwards of $2.5 million.

"According to DEA statistics, the average marijuana plant matures at a kilo, so that's 2.2 pounds. In Benton, a pound of marijuana sells for 1500 to 2200 dollars a pound, so that's $2.5 million of marijuana in maturity," said Moore.

Neighbors say Reese was a nice guy who just kept to himself.

"I met him personally face to face once, and he helped watch our horses when we went south on vacation," said neighbor Stephanie Putnam.

While Reese's death was certainly unexpected around the neighborhood, the massive amount of marijuana discovered on his property, to some, comes as even more of a shock.

"It's bizarre, almost unimaginable. I've never been around nothing like that, I didn't grow up around drugs or drink, and so it just being three doors down from where I live, I know it's reality, but it's just kind of nerve-wracking, for it to be so close," said Putnam.

Perhaps it shouldn't shock neighbors that they didn't suspect, even drug task force officials--who are aware of most local drug dealers--say this operation was even under their radar.

"This was someone who was not known to the drug task force, or any officers on the scene. That leads us to believe he was a large dealer and probably dealing outside of the area," said Moore.

[Carpet Muncher]

Straban man charged with growing marijuana

http://www.eveningsun.com/localnews/ci_4014247

The Evening Sun
By SHARI SANGER.. Evening Sun Reporter

A Straban Township man who has been charged with growing marijuana inside his shed, told police he sold the drug to help pay his bills, according to court documents.

Darryl Kump, 44, faces charges of manufacturing of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

When Adams County Adult Probation officers conducted a probation check on Kump last week, Kump told them he had marijuana and gave it to them along with paraphernalia, court documents state.

The probation officers then contacted Pennsylvania State Police at Gettysburg.

Kump told police he was growing marijuana plants in the shed next to his mobile home at 66 Natural Springs Road, Lot 126.

During the search June 27, police found 33 live marijuana plants and seized paraphernalia associated with growing the drug, including lights, timers and pots, court documents state. Police also seized $422 and about 2 ounces of processed marijuana.

Police said Kump admitted the plants are his and that he has been growing them for about three months and watering them every day.

He also told police he has been dealing the drug for a few months and has between five and 10 customers, according to court documents.

He was arrested and placed in Adams County prison on probation violations.

[Carpet Muncher]

Police arrest dad, son on charges of growing marijuana

The Evening Sun

By SEAN HILLIARD.. Evening Sun Reporter

A father and son in North Codorus Township were arrested and charged Sunday morning for growing 35 marijuana plants in their yard, police said.

Joseph Harner, 41, and Nathan Harner, 19, were arraigned at York County Prison after a tip from a neighbor led Southwestern Regional Police to their home shortly after midnight, Sgt. Lisa Dixon said.

"Our officer could observe (the marijuana plants) from the roadway," she said.

Dixon said police seized the marijuana plants from the residence, as well as drug paraphernalia belonging to Nathan Harner.

The marijuana plants were growing in the side yard, toward the front of the house, Dixon said.

Both Harners were arrested without incident.

They were each charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Nathan Harner was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, Dixon said.

Joseph Harner is being held in York County Prison on $10,000 bond, Dixon said.

Nathan Harner has been released from prison after posting bail, York County Prison officials said.

[Carpet Muncher]

Smell Of Marijuana Leads To Major Growing Operation

Fri Jul 7, 7:43 AM ET

A public works employee who smelled marijuana led police in West Melbourne, Fla., to a major growing operation, according to Local 6 News.

West Melbourne agents raided two homes late Thursday and seized nearly 100 marijuana plants.

Police said the tip came from an unusual source, according to the report.

"He observed some plants in the back that he was able to identify as marijuana," West Melbourne police Officer Jason Hitte said. "Come to find out he's a public works employee who had four to five years experience as a police officer, so he was able to recognize that it was in fact pot by what he saw and what he smelled."

Edward Kruse was arrested on connection with the discovery and police said they were looking another suspect Friday.

[S4v]

Straban man charged with growing marijuana...

He also told police he has been dealing the drug for a few months and has between five and 10 customers, according to court documents...

God damn..

[Carpet Muncher]

no shit.. sing little birdie, sing!
how'd ya like to be one of his customers?? i bet they all got visits from popo.

[Carpet Muncher]

Authorities find 27 marijuana plants at Gaston home
John Robert Gunter III

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5123440

(Gaston) July 7, 2006 - A Gaston man has been arrested after authorities found 27 marijuana plants at his home.

Lexington County Sheriff James R. Metts said John Robert Gunter III of Gaston was charged with manufacturing marijuana. He was being held Thursday at the Lexington County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.

The marijuana plants at Gunter's home were spotted by a SLED helicopter at about 11:30am on Thursday.

Investigators said the marijuana plants had an estimated value of about $20,250.

NET regularly conducts aerial surveillance for marijuana plants in helicopters operated by SLED and the South Carolina National Guard.

[Carpet Muncher]

at least they say what they look for.. i love it when they give out info..

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2006/07/07/nb-marijuana.html?ref=rss

RCMP discover marijuana grow operations
Last Updated: Friday, July 7, 2006 | 3:48 PM AT
CBC News

RCMP are looking for the people who operated two marijuana grow operations discovered in the Doaktown area of New Brunswick on Thursday.

Police discovered more than 600 plants at two outdoor sites.

Cpl. Randy Freeborn, a spokesman with the District 6 RCMP, said they expect to find more grow operations in the area.

"Generally, if we find one or two in the area, we'll find two or three more," he said.

The plants had not yet matured. Cpl. Freeman said the plants could have been worth as much as $600,000 when mature.

[Carpet Muncher]

http://www.corsicanadailysun.com/news/local_story_188093955.html?keyword=topstory

Marijuana plants seized

Published: July 07, 2006 09:39 am
By AJ Narasimhan

— Navarro County Sheriff’s Deputies seized 524 marijuana plants Thursday in Rice. Deputy Scott Stephens received the phone call from a property owner on NE 1060. The owner, who does not live on the property, contacted the Sheriff’s office complaining of a suspicious substance.

Stephens immediately contacted the narcotics division, which promptly seized the plants.

“There was Pete moss, containers, water and a tent,” Capt. Elmer Tanner said. “Whoever was growing the plants was staying here, but not present at the time of the seizure.”

Tanner said that there were no suspects at this time, but that the investigation is ongoing.

[Carpet Muncher]

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_4022295

Tip leads to marijuana bust

San Gabriel Valley Tribune 7/8/06

WEST COVINA - Police arrested a preschool teacher's aide Thursday after they found marijuana with a street value of $20,000 and a stolen gun in his apartment.

Officers also seized an unregistered shotgun, bullets, a scale, brass knuckles and $640.

Juan Carlos Alcala, 25, of West Covina was booked on suspicion of possession of drugs for sale, possession of stolen property and possession of brass knuckles. He was being held at West Covina Jail.

Alcala told officers he works as a preschool teacher's aide at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, said Commander Mark Tedesco. Police notified district officials about the arrest and were told Alcala was an employee.

Officer Travis Tibbetts said most of the 11 pounds seized were high-grade Mexican marijuana or Humboldt County marijuana.

The department's special enforcement team served a search warrant at 1901 E. Amar Road on Thursday afternoon.

The warrant was the result of an anonymous call to the WeTip hotline about too many people coming in and out of one apartment, Tedesco said.

[Carpet Muncher]

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=5133656&nav=menu45_2

Deputies uncover marijuana plants during child investigation


FISHERSVILLE, Va. Deputies responding to a call about two children left alone in a Fishersville home yesterday discovered an indoor marijuana-growing operation.

Augusta County Sheriff's Department officials have charged 27-year-old Christopher Johnson and 25-year-old Terra Allison Johnson with two counts of abuse and neglect of children and one count of sale and distribution of marijuana.Captain Dwight Wood says authorities found the two children, ages two and eight, inside the home at about 1 p-m.

It was unclear how they were alerted to the situation.Inside, authorities seized 24 marijuana plants and drug cultivation paraphernalia.The couple is out on bail.

[Carpet Muncher]

Police arrest dad, son on charges of growing marijuana

http://www.eveningsun.com/localnews/ci_4033135

Monday, July 10, 2006
By SEAN HILLIARD.. Evening Sun Reporter

A father and son in North Codorus Township were arrested and charged Sunday morning for growing 35 marijuana plants in their yard, police said.

Joseph Harner, 41, and Nathan Harner, 19, were arraigned at York County Prison after a tip from a neighbor led Southwestern Regional Police to their home shortly after midnight, Sgt. Lisa Dixon said.

"Our officer could observe (the marijuana plants) from the roadway," she said.

Dixon said police seized the marijuana plants from the residence, as well as drug paraphernalia belonging to Nathan Harner.

The marijuana plants were growing in the side yard, toward the front of the house, Dixon said.

Both Harners were arrested without incident.

They were each charged with manufacturing a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. Nathan Harner was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, Dixon said.

Joseph Harner is being held in York County Prison on $10,000 bond, Dixon said.

Nathan Harner has been released from prison after posting bail, York County Prison officials said.

[Carpet Muncher]

MARIJUANA ARREST: Couple arrested

Daily Record/Sunday News
Jul 10, 2006 —

Southwestern Regional Police said they arrested two people for growing marijuana in a backyard - in plain sight for neighbors - in North Codorus Township.

According to police, another North Codorus Township resident reported seeing the marijuana to police.

Officers went to the residence just after midnight Sunday and found 35 marijuana plants growing in a garden in plain view.

The officers confiscated the plants and arrested two people, the news release said.

The names of the people arrested or the address where the drugs were found was not released Sunday afternoon.

[Joe King Park]

World , BC and Canadian news www.hempology.com

Pugs; thinking of going back to school; Hempology101 starting in september for one year at The University Of Victoria:thumbsup:

[Mango]

good finds CM. I like to keep up on this type of thing aswell.

[BravoC.D.]

thanks for the info CM. i wish i knew that old fella that passed away at his place. the strangest one was the the one with the unusual phone call which i find odd. lets wait till the court paper come out all snitches are in the court papers.

[Fargo]

There sure are a lot of busts going down this summer. I have a google news page that filters stories for marijuana/drug related stories - almost 45 new busts/stories today alone.

LEO is definitely in the air...

[burnie]

About the Reese story where the guy was found dead on his porch......so a mature plant = a kilo ???? Damn , I must be doing something wrong big time !!! peace...burnie

[Joe King Park]

i'll never forget the guy from Denman who called the cops after his grow room was broken into by kids
they showed up and confiscated all his equiptment and charged him with cultivation

i think the guys a monk now,lol
JKP

[Joe King Park]

best Euro News i have found is at the back of www.soft-secrets.nl

they scour every paper looking for cannabis related news/busts
thats how i found out i had a friend rotting away in a spanish jail for trying to move 11 tons of soapbar from Ibiza
prior to reading it i had always assumed he was a beer drinking fisherman, so it was quite the shock, to say the least
JKP

[Space Toker]

OK out of curiosity, how do they know most dealers operating in the area? How would anyone be able to buy weed if they were on top of it that much?

Also, most of these people were growing a lot or did something else that may have drawn attention to them, but the guy with 27 plants, what happened there? Aircraft have always been a worry of mine, but discussing how to twart them here may be unwise. Good info though. OK PEACE