State Police say they confiscated about 500 marijuana plants with a street value of about $1.5 million yesterday at a Botetourt County residence. More from News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones.
Here is the full State Police news release:
SALEM DIVISION HEADQUARTERS – As the result of an ongoing investigation, Special Agents of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and members of the Sixth Division State Police Tactical Team executed a search warrant on March 17, 2011 at 11:45 AM at a residence in Botetourt County located at 508 Lithia Road, Fincastle, VA.
First Sergeant Ken Keesee stated the search yielded approximately 500 Marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $1.5 million dollars. Further, approximately 20 pounds of processed Marijuana was seized with an estimated street value of $60,000.
(State Police Photos)
State Police Special Agents also seized an assortment of weapons to include 7 rifles and 5 handguns. Additionally, a Chevrolet pick up truck, a Honda ATV, and an assortment of equipment used to facilitate the indoor Marijuana grow operation were seized.
Veteran State Police investigators involved in the matter stated the Lithia Road operation was the largest in recent memory, and decribed it as “extremely sophisticated.”
After consultation with Botetourt County Commonwealth Attorney Joel Branscom, State Police Agents arrested 53 year old Frank Fleet of Fincastle on an enhanced charge of possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute. Additional charges are pending further investigation.
The aforementioned information is a complete summary of all information available for release at this time.
