Pubdate: Thu, 11 Jan 2007 Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA) Copyright: 2007 MetroWest Daily News Contact: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. POT BUST NETS 300 POUNDS A Belmont man was arrested yesterday with nearly 300 pounds of marijauna in his car following a six-month investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement officials. (redacted), 27, is charged with two counts of marijuana trafficking after the 1:40 p.m. arrest, Natick Police spokesman Lt. Brian Grassey said. "I think this is the largest marijuana seizure we've had," said Grassey. "This was a significant endeavor." In total, police recovered 292 pounds of marijuana, which is valued at more than $500,000 on the street, Grassey said. To put it in perspective, an average joint has a half gram of marijuana in it. That would equal 264,900 joints. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration out of New Hampshire began the investigation into (redacted) six months ago. The Natick Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police took part in the operation. Recently, the investigators learned that (redacted)., was scheduled to receive a large delivery of marijuana at an address in Natick yesterday. The exact location of the delivery was not released due to "investigator concern," but the bust occurred near the St. Patrick Cemetery. "Their information was pretty solid," Grassey said. The detectives watched (redacted) receive two large deliveries and then made the arrest, Grassey said. The deliveries totaled about 15 bales of marijuana. When stacked, it would be more than one and a half feet wide and 10 feet tall. Because there were two deliveries, police charged (redacted) with two counts each of trafficking and possession of drugs in a school or park zone, Grassey said. Natick Police Detective Kevin Delehanty said (redacted) probably is not a street dealer. "He's more of a middle man," the detective said. The arrest is just a part of a larger investigation, Delehanty said. The person who lives where the drugs were delivered was also questioned, but not arrested. (redacted) pleaded not guilty at his Natick District Court arraignment yesterday, and was ordered held on $50,000 bail. He is due back in court next week. The bail amount was not a surprise "given the significant weight and value, and this person looks to be deeply immersed in the (drug culture)," Grassey said. If convicted, (redacted) faces a minimum of three years in prison and a maximum of 15 years for each trafficking charge. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek