Two major pot busts in one week in the state resulted in the seizure of hundreds of pounds of marijuana and the arrests of two men on drug charges.
One bust took place Tuesday morning in Sheridan, Oregon. The Yamhill County Interagency Narcotics Team, in conjunction with the Portland Police Bureau's Drugs and Vice Division, served a search warrant at a house believed to contain a large-scale indoor growing operation. The Sheriff's Office said there was marijuana growing in nearly every room in the house, amounting to almost 550 plants with a street value of more than $500,000.
A 49-year-old man was taken into custody on charges of unlawful manufacture and unlawful possession of marijuana, and additional drug charges are expected. Police also expect to make more arrests in that case, since it's unlikely such a large growing operation was for personal use only.
Another drug bust happened Feb. 24 during a traffic stop near Bend, Oregon. State police troopers pulled over a pickup truck and said they found about 24 pounds of marijuana in large duffel bags in the truck. It's not clear why the driver was pulled over or what cause they had to search his truck, but police also searched his home near Bend and found 561 "starter- and mature-sized marijuana plants" and about 100 pounds of processed marijuana, according to a state police press release. State police estimate the value of the seized drugs from that home at $312,000.
The driver and resident of the home was taken to the Deschutes County Jail and has been charged with unlawful possession, distribution and manufacture of a controlled substance.
These cases and their charges are an important reminder that although Oregon laws about marijuana have changed when it comes to medicinal use, that doesn't mean anyone can grow and distribute it. Possession, cultivation and delivery of marijuana without a doctor's prescription and a medical marijuana card are still illegal and carry very serious criminal penalties. Even with a card, there are limits on the amounts of marijuana you can grow and possess. Those facing prosecution of these and other drug charges would be well advised to talk to an attorney with experience in defense of drug crimes.
Source: KOINLocal6.com, "Oregon pot busts amass more than 1,100 plants," Feb. 29, 2012
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