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A lifelong Robertson County resident believed responsible for one of the largest illegal drug operations that local investigators say they have ever busted could now face federal charges, an investigator with the District Attorney's Office said Friday.
[Name redacted], 44, was arrested Wednesday - less than a week after investigators seized more than 1,000 "high-quality" marijuana plants, 22.6 pounds of dried marijuana and meth-cooking material at a rural property east of Hearne owned by his family ( Eagle, May 3 ).
So far, the truck driver has been charged with possession of methamphetamine between 1 and 4 grams and possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds - both third-degree felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
But according to Robertson County District Attorney's Office investigator Phil Crowell, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Waco has also agreed to review the case. [Name redacted] could face between 10 years and life in prison if indicted and found guilty on federal charges of possessing more than 1,000 marijuana plants.
Similar charges for methamphetamine possession could also be a possibility, Crowell said.
"I have no doubt in my mind the plants and the meth and the tank [used in methamphetamine production] were his," he said Friday.
Crowell said he is still investigating the anhydrous ammonia tank that was found under a tarp in [Name redacted]'s barn.
It is common for people to steal anhydrous ammonia - generally used as a crop fertilizer - from farmers and sell it to meth cooks, he said, explaining that the substance can easily sell for $100 per gallon. It is the only meth ingredient that can't be bought over the counter.
The tank found during the bust was as big as a pickup and looked like it could hold about 10,000 gallons, Crowell said Friday. Its registration number was gone and identifying marks seemed to be painted over, he said.
Charges that could result from that include possession of stolen property, he said, explaining that possession or transport of anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture a controlled substance is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
While [Name redacted] wasn't living at the property at the time it was raided, there was a tenant whom authorities declined to identify Friday.
"I firmly believe this person had no idea of the illegal activities," Crowell said, adding that he also doesn't believe [Name redacted]'s parents had any knowledge of the operation taking place on their land.
Because of that, he said, the District Attorney's Office isn't planning to take steps to seize the property.
Authorities have declined to disclose the location of the land until they can be sure all the plants have been confiscated or destroyed. Crowell said his office has recommended to [Name redacted]'s parents that the field be burned.
Newshawk: Urdedpal -420 Magazine
Source: Bryan-College Station Eagle (TX)
Copyright: 2006 The Bryan-College Station Eagle
Contact: editorial@theeagle.com
[Name redacted], 44, was arrested Wednesday - less than a week after investigators seized more than 1,000 "high-quality" marijuana plants, 22.6 pounds of dried marijuana and meth-cooking material at a rural property east of Hearne owned by his family ( Eagle, May 3 ).
So far, the truck driver has been charged with possession of methamphetamine between 1 and 4 grams and possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds - both third-degree felonies punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
But according to Robertson County District Attorney's Office investigator Phil Crowell, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Waco has also agreed to review the case. [Name redacted] could face between 10 years and life in prison if indicted and found guilty on federal charges of possessing more than 1,000 marijuana plants.
Similar charges for methamphetamine possession could also be a possibility, Crowell said.
"I have no doubt in my mind the plants and the meth and the tank [used in methamphetamine production] were his," he said Friday.
Crowell said he is still investigating the anhydrous ammonia tank that was found under a tarp in [Name redacted]'s barn.
It is common for people to steal anhydrous ammonia - generally used as a crop fertilizer - from farmers and sell it to meth cooks, he said, explaining that the substance can easily sell for $100 per gallon. It is the only meth ingredient that can't be bought over the counter.
The tank found during the bust was as big as a pickup and looked like it could hold about 10,000 gallons, Crowell said Friday. Its registration number was gone and identifying marks seemed to be painted over, he said.
Charges that could result from that include possession of stolen property, he said, explaining that possession or transport of anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture a controlled substance is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
While [Name redacted] wasn't living at the property at the time it was raided, there was a tenant whom authorities declined to identify Friday.
"I firmly believe this person had no idea of the illegal activities," Crowell said, adding that he also doesn't believe [Name redacted]'s parents had any knowledge of the operation taking place on their land.
Because of that, he said, the District Attorney's Office isn't planning to take steps to seize the property.
Authorities have declined to disclose the location of the land until they can be sure all the plants have been confiscated or destroyed. Crowell said his office has recommended to [Name redacted]'s parents that the field be burned.
Newshawk: Urdedpal -420 Magazine
Source: Bryan-College Station Eagle (TX)
Copyright: 2006 The Bryan-College Station Eagle
Contact: editorial@theeagle.com
