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September 9/04
Sentinel Review
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September 9/04
Sentinel Review
By Hugo Rodrigues - STAFF WRITER
INNERKIP - Oxford Community Police got their man and his pot yesterday
afternoon, seizing an estimated $80,000 of marijuana from a rural address in
Blandford-Blenheim.
After an investigation lasting several days, the OCPS drug enforcement section
searched the property at 746064 TownshipRoad 4. They found 68 marijuana plants
awaiting harvest on the property worth some $68,000. Inside the residence was an
additional 1.36 kilograms of dried marijuana with a street value of $12,000.
“For the past three or four weeks we’ve targeted these outdoor marijuana
operations and this is one of those kind of operations,” said Det. Sgt. Daryl
Longworth. “If we can (once we locate the plants), we like to spend the time
to identify those responsible.
“With the numbers we’re dealing with, we often just go out and grab the
plants, but this was one case where we were able to link the grow to someone,”
said Longworth.
Along with the dope, police also seized three vehicles - one of which was stolen
- and one unloaded firearm.
A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with production of a controlled
substance, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking,
possession of stolen property valued over $5,000 and unsafe storage of a
firearm. He was later released pending an appearance inWoodstock court.
OCPS continue to investigate other potential sites for rural marijuana grows,
with Longworth noting the cooler, damper weather has given police a bit more
time to try and link grows with their harvesters.
“The plants are a bit behind this year, just like all the other crops,” said
Longworth. “With the time, we like to investigate if the property owner or the
homeowner are involved.”