June 26, 2007

Sherman Co. busts pot grow

     Drug officers seized 53 marijuana plants from an indoor growing operation near Wasco in a raid early Monday morning.
     Acting on a citizen tip and other factors, the Mid-Columbia Interagency Narcotics Taskforce (MINT) and the Sherman County sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at 92740 Highway 206 in Wasco. The plants were found growing in a sophisticated hydroponics system. Officers also found 3.3 pounds of dried marijuana.
     Louis Burchel Duarte, 40, was arrested for the manufacture and possession of substantial quantities of marijuana. Additional arrests are expected.
     “This is one of the largest indoor grows Sherman County has seen in a long time,” said Sherman County Sheriff Brad Lohrey.
     The discovery of the operation reflects cooperation between the sheriff’s office, MINT and concerned citizens, added Sherman County District Attorney Wade McLeod.
     The Oregon State Sheriff’s Association offers a reward for reporting marijuana growers. To report growers call 1-800-624-4405.