Pubdate: Thu, 24 Dec 2009
Source: Mail Tribune, The (Medford, OR)
Copyright: 2009 The Mail Tribune
Contact:  http://www.mailtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/642
Note: Only prints LTEs from within it's circulation area, 200 word count limit
Author: Chris Conrad
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.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

ARRESTS MADE FOR ABUSE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

Police seized about 225 pounds of marijuana from three  men who
allegedly grew and distributed more pot than is  legally allowed under
the Oregon Medical Marijuana  Program, police said.

The monthlong investigation started when authorities in  Minnesota
called local police regarding a case that had  ties to Southern Oregon.

On Dec. 17, an undercover officer bought 65 pounds of  marijuana from
two people in a restaurant parking lot  in Grants Pass. From
information gained from this buy,  officers were able to obtain three
search warrants in  Josephine and Jackson counties.

All three locations were reportedly tied to the Oregon  Medical
Marijuana Program, Oregon State Police said in  a news release.

The first house was in the [address redacted]  in Williams.
Investigators allegedly found 11 pounds of  marijuana in the home. In
addition, evidence associated  with drug sales was seized. Arrested
was [name1 redacted],  46, on drug-related charges.

Police then searched two homes in the [address redacted] in
Jacksonville.

At one of the residences, officers seized 131 pounds of  marijuana and
three firearms. Arrested was [name2 redacted], 49, on drug distribution
charges, OSP said.

At the second home on Eastside Road, which police  described as a
"sophisticated indoor marijuana growing  operation," police seized 48
mature plants,  approximately 20 pounds of processed and packaged
marijuana, six firearms (including two assault rifles)  and an
undisclosed amount of cash.

[name3 redacted], 26, was arrested while leaving the  house. Police
alleged that he was carrying six ounces  of marijuana and a firearm.

Police are anticipating additional arrests in  association with the
homes on Eastside Road.

The pot seized during the investigation has an  estimated street sale
value of $750,000, OSP said.

Oregon law limits medical marijuana growers to six  mature plants, 18
seedlings and 24 ounces of usable  marijuana per patient at any one
time. "Usable" refers  to dried leaves and flowers with medicinal value.

"This is an excellent example of law enforcement  agencies, inside and
outside Oregon, combining  resources to aggressively identify and
arrest those  responsible for the distribution of illegal narcotics
in our local communities," said OSP Sgt. Jim Johnson.

OSP was assisted in the case by the Medford Area Drug  and Gang
Enforcement Team (MADGE), Grants Pass  Department of Public Safety
detectives and the  Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D