On July 26th and 27th, 2010 the Darke County Drug Task Force, consisting of officers from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville Police Department, along with The State Of Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation Eradication Team conducted air and ground searches at various locations in Darke County. As a result, $111,000 worth of marijuana plants were located and seized
During an aerial search the Eradication Team observed several marijuana plants growing in the garden of a residence at 1671 Harrison Road, New Madison, OH. An adult male was observed from the air attempting to destroy those plants. Agents on the ground responded to the residence as the male subject fled back into the house. A search warrant was executed at that location. Further investigation provided evidence of an active indoor grow operation that was inside the residence and an inactive grow operation that was inside the barn.
Darke County Officials believe they have dismantled a major marijuana growing operation. Seized from the residence was $1,000 cash, approximately sixteen pounds of cultivated and processed marijuana, numerous firearms and other items used in the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana. Value of the marijuana is estimated to be $23,000.
No arrests have been made at this time as the investigation continues. Charges will be pending as a review of the case by the Darke County Prosecutor is made.