The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

September 10, 2009

More than $125,000 worth of pot found growing near cemetery

Citizens’ tips, new drug unit credited in effort to curb drugs

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Raleigh County narcotics investigators found 50 marijuana plants — worth more than $100,000 — growing near a cemetery, authorities said.

The plants were found Tuesday, according to a release from Detective G.D. Epling. Deputy R.L. Talley received an anonymous tip about marijuana growing on a path beside Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Prosperity. Talley and investigators from the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Drug and Narcotics Investigative Unit recovered 50 plants growing in pots.

The plants’ street value is about $125,000, Epling said. No suspects have been identified.

The relatively new Raleigh County narcotics unit found two large marijuana grows Tuesday. Epling said an anonymous tip also led them to 16 plants worth about $40,000 near the Harper Road and Range Road intersection near Beckley. A suspect has yet to be identified in this case, as well.

Chief Deputy Dave Stafford said tips from concerned citizens are key as police work to eradicate illegal drugs.

“The drug unit has taken major steps, and their work is great,” he said. “But that’s due to the citizens of Raleigh County giving us tips about what they see while they’re out and about. That’s how we succeed in our business — with their help.”

Anyone with information about suspects in these cases or other marijuana grow locations is encouraged to call the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department at 304-255-9300 or Crime Stoppers at 304-255-7867.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com

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