Maine authorities have seized a total of 4,760 marijuana plants and apprehended three individuals from New York in Somerset County. This marks their third search in the past two weeks regarding suspected illegal marijuana cultivation sites.
According to a news release from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officers searched a residence in Skowhegan on Friday morning. During the search, they seized a Toyota Tacoma truck, along with other “illicit drug related articles” and over $7,000 in suspected illicit drug proceeds.
The sheriff’s office has reported that three residents from Brooklyn, aged between 56 and 61, were arrested at their residence. They have been charged with trafficking in scheduled drugs and cultivating marijuana.
According to Sheriff Dale Lancaster, the three individuals were initially detained at the Somerset County Jail. However, they have since been able to post bail and have been released.
The Somerset County sheriff’s office recently conducted two searches as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal marijuana plant growing operations. As a result, they were able to seize over 1,900 live plants and more than 60 pounds of marijuana. Despite these significant seizures, no arrests were made during these searches. This highlights the continued challenges law enforcement faces in combating illegal marijuana operations.
The sheriff’s office recently carried out multiple search warrants and apprehended four individuals on charges of operating illegal marijuana cultivation sites.
According to the state’s Office of Cannabis Policy, individuals who are 21 years of age and older can legally purchase cannabis at licensed stores in Maine. Additionally, they are permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis products.
The sheriff’s office, in collaboration with the Waterville Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, executed a search warrant on the alleged illegal marijuana grow site on Friday.
According to the release, the suspects are set to make their first court appearance on June 5.
