Drug search results in seizure of more than $18K worth of marijuana
(Cleveland) – One man is in custody and another has agreed to turn himself into authorities following the discovery of three marijuana grows in White County.
The plants were located during a search and seizure operation by the Governor’s Task Force/Drug Suppression unit on Tuesday, July 18. The White County Sheriff’s Office and Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO) assisted.
White County authorities executed two search warrants. One was at the home of Christopher Richards at 100 Rattlesnake Hill in Cleveland. Authorities say they found six marijuana plants, 1.5 lbs. of cultivated marijuana, a handgun and $12,000 cash inside the residence. Richards was arrested for manufacturing marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He was transported to the White County Detention Center.
A separate search warrant was executed at the residence of Lamar Yawn at 728 White Oak Trail in Cleveland. Officials found five marijuana plants along with less than an ounce of marijuana inside the residence, according to ARDEO Special Agent In Charge Mitchell Posey. Yawn was charged with manufacturing marijuana. Posey says he agreed to turn himself in at the White County Detention Center on Wednesday, July 19 but Yawn’s lawyer has since changed that date to Friday, July 21.
White County authorities also seized five marijuana plants that were found growing in the wood line on Town Creek Road (above photo). In a news release, Posey says White County authorities continue to investigate the finding to determine who is responsible.
The total street value of the marijuana seized is $18,500.
