Authorities in Maine held over 4,760 marijuana plants and charged three New York locals in Somerset County – their third investigation in two weeks involving suspected illicit marijuana cultivation areas.
In a targeted operation on Friday morning, officers from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Skowhegan, resulting in significant seizures and multiple arrests.
Seizure Details:
During the search, law enforcement confiscated over $7,000 in suspected illicit drug proceeds. Additionally, they seized a Toyota Tacoma truck and various other items deemed to be “illicit drug related articles.”
Arrests and Charges:
Three individuals from Brooklyn, aged between 56 and 61, were arrested at the Skowhegan residence. They were charged with trafficking in scheduled drugs and the cultivation of marijuana.
Legal Proceedings:
Following their arrests, the suspects were booked into the Somerset County Jail. However, all three have since posted bail, as confirmed by Sheriff Dale Lancaster.
Ongoing Investigation:
This operation is part of an ongoing investigation into illegal marijuana cultivation operations in Somerset County. Previous searches in the area yielded substantial seizures, including over 1,900 live plants and more than 60 pounds of marijuana.
Although no arrests were made in those searches, law enforcement remains vigilant in combating illegal drug activities.
Legal Cannabis Regulations:
Maine’s Office of Cannabis Policy allows adults aged 21 and older to legally purchase cannabis from licensed stores. Individuals are permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis products under state law.
Collaborative Efforts:
The search warrant execution involved cooperation between the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, Waterville Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, highlighting the collaborative effort to combat drug-related crimes.
Upcoming Court Appearance:
The suspects are scheduled for their initial court appearance on June 5, as stated in the news release issued by the sheriff’s office. This marks the next phase in legal proceedings following their arrests.