ROANOKE — A yearlong investigation of a marijuana growing and processing operation resulted in two arrests and the seizure of 50 pounds of marijuana and processed marijuana products last week.
The Woodford County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant July 28 at 504 N. State St. in Roanoke. An estimated 15 to 20 pounds of raw marijuana, hash oils, lotions and candied edibles were recovered at the residence, according to Chief Deputy Dennis Tipsword.
Reubon J. Rippon, 36, and Matthew T. Scott, 47, were arrested at the scene. A Woodford County grand jury indicted them on charges of possession of more than 5,000 grams of marijuana and manufacture and delivery of more than 5,000 grams of marijuana. Both men remain in custody in lieu of $5,000 bond.
Tipsword said the department received anonymous tips over the past year that led to the search warrant and arrests. In addition to the marijuana and edibles, police found an indoor growing site in the basement of the home.
Electronic equipment was also found in the home and is under forensic investigation, which could potentially lead to more arrests, Tipsword said.
Marijuana labs are dangerous to the community, Tipsword said, citing the 2015 house explosion in Lowpoint, which was a result of a suspected hash oil lab.
“These labs use highly volatile solutions that they extract from cannabis, such as butane and grain alcohol — things explosive in nature,” he said. “This is a risk to not only the people in the house but potential neighbors. It is cannabis, but this is extremely dangerous.”
credit:pjstar.com