Sheriff Vernon Standforth says most of the plants were spotted by air
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the Ohio BCI & I, recently conducted a two-day marijuana eradication throughout Fayette County, recovering over 300 marijuana plants.
According to Sheriff Vernon Stanforth, deputies and state agents recently canvassed Fayette County by aircraft, targeting subject’s illegally growing marijuana. "The marijuana eradication program is a valuable enforcement tool in locating and seizing these plants before it becomes marketable marijuana and can be sold at the street level", said Stanforth. The plants seized this year ranged in size and maturity.
The Sheriff indicated that the plants were in good condition considering the drought conditions, meaning growers put a lot of work into them. A mature marijuana plant is capable of yielding one half to one pound of processed marijuana, creating quite a profit for the grower.
According to Sheriff Stanforth, in some cases this year, deputies have identified the person(s) responsible for cultivating the marijuana and those investigations are continuing with criminal charges forthcoming. The Sheriff also wished to extend his appreciation to the community for the help and support in aiding his office in identifying these illegal grows. "Fighting the war on drugs is an arduous process that takes the support of the community and I am thankful for that support," said Stanforth.
