$50,000 worth of marijuna found in DeKalb County, Ala.

Monday, March 11, 2013

photo Pot bust tile

The DeKalb (Ala.) County Drug Task Force agents discovered an estimated $50,000 worth of marijuana over the weekend, according to a news release.

Agents dismantled two large growing operations after officers attempted to serve arrest warrants to two unrelated individuals.

The release states that the first operation was discovered when a suspect fled into a nearby residence after officers attempted to serve the arrest warrants. Officers followed the suspect to the residence, and while making the arrest they found a number of marijuana plants and a well-organized growing operation.

The Drug Task Force agents secured the residence and executed a search warrant. They found 45 marijuana plants that ranged in size from 6 inches to 4 feet tall. Agents also discovered three pounds of high-strength buds, dried marijuana, lights, fertilizer and grow buckets in the residence.

Agents arrested Richard Clarence Robbins, 56, and Derick Charles Robbins, 22, both from Fort Payne, Ala. The two were charged with unlawful possession of marijuana first, trafficking in cannabis and unlawful drug paraphernalia. They are awaiting bond in the DeKalb County Detention Center.

The second operation was discovered in an unrelated incident when officers went to a residence to serve felony warrants. Mark Anthony Gilley, 35, of Higdon, Ala., came to the door of the camper and told officers the suspect was not there. After noticing a number of marijuana plants, deputies detained Gilley until agents with the Drug Task Force arrived.

Agents performed a consent search of the property and found 35 marijuana plants from 6 inches to 6 feet tall.

Officers also confiscated growing equipment, three firearms and loose marijuana.

Gilley was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.