Marijuana operation busted

Sheriff Dwerlkotte received information from the Polk County Sheriff Office in reference to a possible large marijuana grow operation off Hwy. N near the Hwy. J intersection.

Sheriff Dwerlkotte and deputies from Cedar County Sheriff Office, in conjunction with the Missouri  National Guard Counter Drug Helicopter, Community Narcotic Enforcement Team from Bates, and Vernon County and Cedar (CNET), did locate the camp area and large grow operation.

The task force team pulled approximately 480 to 500 plants with estimated value of $,1000 per plant ($480,000 to $500,000 value), and finished product of approximately 53 pounds of marijuana buds with a value of $160,000.  Approximate value of $639,000.

The suspects were of Hispanic race. At the time the helicopter flew over the location a newer model black Ford pickup pulling a trailer which contained a red UTV fled from the area in an unknown direction of travel.  No identification was located at the campsite to identify the suspects. The campsite was destroyed and plants and buds seized as evidence.