Raid leads to marijuana find
From staff reportsThe Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force conducted two separate raids on Wednesday, resulting in the discovery of local marijuana growing operations.
The task force and the Hancock County Sheriff's Department raided two homes in Chester, netting 70 plants and almost 3 pounds of finished marijuana.
At least four individuals were involved in the operation, according to officials. Charges are pending.
The marijuana was being grown in four rooms and outside the properties.
"The growing operations were fully automated and very sophisticated," members of the task force said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. "These grows were capable of yielding a harvest every 60 to 70 days."
The names and locations of the raids have yet to be released because of the ongoing investigation.
Members of the task force have been working in conjunction with Pennsylvania authorities and Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the investigation.
The Hancock-Brooke-Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional operation made up of members of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department, Brooke County Sheriff's Department, Weirton Police Department and DEA.
Anyone having drug information can confidentially leave a tip by calling (304) 797-8574.
