editorial3@thomastontimes.com

Two local drug busts this past week result in some major smokage off the streets of Thomaston.

A total of 18 marijuana plants, with a street value of approximately $80,000, were cut down and await destruction.

Both locations were outdoor sites with pot plants taller than the officers who handled the case.

The first bust was on B Street in the Thomaston city limits. Nine “well taken care of” marijuana plants in separate buckets were discovered by a person looking at the property for purchase.

Thomaston City Police Canine Drug Officer, Jerry “Pedro” Meadows, received an anonymous complaint in reference to illegal plants growing in the back alley of B and E streets.

“I went out to the location and discovered the plants,” Meadows told The Thomaston Times.

“Once I arrived, I realized it was a serious and dangerous operation so I called for more assistance from my patrol officers and the drug unit.

Once [the other units] arrived, we gathered the plants, took photos, and took them into evidence and transported them to the evidence room,” Meadows said.

The plants were cut and taken to be destroyed.

No arrests from this discovery have been made thus far.

The second bust was on Adams Ferry Road in Upson County. The agents theorized the land was possibly leased for hunting.

Once the pot plants were located, the Drug Task Agents uprooted the plants and took them as evidence, and to be destroyed by the agents and their supervisor.

One agent stated, “Most folks grow inside, but we found these [plants] outside. Harvest time is almost over, though. So, September just about wraps it up.”

Officers responding to these types of complaint calls, and those involved in the investigation, are oftentimes in serious danger.

Drug dealers may have “booby traps” set around the illegal plants and can cause officers to sustain serious injuries. Drug dealers may have “guards” on “patrol” - on the lookout for law enforcement.

As of this writing, no arrests have been made in this case.

The Drug Task Force stated, “Right now the whole operation is still under investigation, but hopefully we’ll be making some arrests with it soon.”

The officers added, “We’re out here working and trying to do the best we can to clean up the streets from narcotics.”

Drug Enforcement suggests that if you should discover illegal drugs, “Back away from them, get to a safe location, and call 911.”