Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
A marijuana farm operation uncovered by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Thursday and Friday was worth more than $20 million on the street and is the biggest marijuana bust in recent Mississippi history, officials said.
More than 15,000 marijuana plants were discovered hidden deep in an elaborate setup of irrigation, living-quarter tents and marijuana processing areas in the woods off of Polk Oatis Road in Jefferson Davis County Thursday. Some of the plants were almost 7 feet tall.
Friday investigators discovered a patch with approximately 5,000 more marijuana plants, bringing the total haul to more than 20,000 plants, according to MBN Director John Dowdy. He added that this is a continuing investigation, and agents will remain in the county through the weekend.
"This is very similar to the cartel grows we see out west," Dowdy said. "This is hands down the biggest marijuana grow operation we've seen in the state in probably 35-40 years."
The plants were growing on six fields and are covering an estimated four to six acres, according to officials on the scene.
"It feels good to know that whoever had this operation going will be out of business for a while," said Jefferson Davis County Sheriff Ron Strickland.
After receiving a tip on the marijuana, officials conducted most of their surveillance of the hidden growing fields from the air via drone footage and an agency helicopter. When authorities got there, the campsites were abandoned.
"Our guess is they probably got spooked," Dowdy said. "When we came in on the helicopters, we flew right in on the treetops to get confirmation."
Agents will continue to harvest and dispose of the plants and will stay in the county through the weekend.
"Locating, tabulating and destroying so many marijuana plants is a huge task," Dowdy said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana drug raid in Mississippi yields $20 million worth of plants
Author: Therese Apel
Contact: Contact Us | Jackson Mississippi
Photo Credit: Therese Apel
Website: The Clarion-Ledger | Mississippi and Jackson Metro's News Source
More than 15,000 marijuana plants were discovered hidden deep in an elaborate setup of irrigation, living-quarter tents and marijuana processing areas in the woods off of Polk Oatis Road in Jefferson Davis County Thursday. Some of the plants were almost 7 feet tall.
Friday investigators discovered a patch with approximately 5,000 more marijuana plants, bringing the total haul to more than 20,000 plants, according to MBN Director John Dowdy. He added that this is a continuing investigation, and agents will remain in the county through the weekend.
"This is very similar to the cartel grows we see out west," Dowdy said. "This is hands down the biggest marijuana grow operation we've seen in the state in probably 35-40 years."
The plants were growing on six fields and are covering an estimated four to six acres, according to officials on the scene.
"It feels good to know that whoever had this operation going will be out of business for a while," said Jefferson Davis County Sheriff Ron Strickland.
After receiving a tip on the marijuana, officials conducted most of their surveillance of the hidden growing fields from the air via drone footage and an agency helicopter. When authorities got there, the campsites were abandoned.
"Our guess is they probably got spooked," Dowdy said. "When we came in on the helicopters, we flew right in on the treetops to get confirmation."
Agents will continue to harvest and dispose of the plants and will stay in the county through the weekend.
"Locating, tabulating and destroying so many marijuana plants is a huge task," Dowdy said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Marijuana drug raid in Mississippi yields $20 million worth of plants
Author: Therese Apel
Contact: Contact Us | Jackson Mississippi
Photo Credit: Therese Apel
Website: The Clarion-Ledger | Mississippi and Jackson Metro's News Source
