Updated: 07/02/2009 5:56 PM KSTP.com | Print Story
By: Becky Nahm

18 Charged After 3,300 Marijuana Plants Seized

List of Suspects

In busting apart a Twin Cities, marijuana-growing operation, officers seized more than 3,300 plants, $225,000 and made 18 arrests.

According to a Drug Enforcement Administration affidavit, on June 30 officers served search warrants at locations throughout the metro.

They found at 923 plants at a residence in Coon Rapids and hundreds more plants at homes in Elk River, Lake St. Croix Beach, Ramsey, Savage and Shakopee. They also discovered evidence of dismantled marijuana growing operations in Cottage Grove, St. Michael and St. Paul Park.

They seized thousands of dollars from the Coon Rapids and Shakopee grow houses and two additional residences in Blaine and Maple Grove.

Officers also found three pounds of harvested marijuana at a Brooklyn Park home.

Law enforcement had already seized another 9.5 pounds of harvested marijuana on June 8. Officials said officers found the stash in the trunk of a suspect's car during a traffic stop.

Thirteen of the 18 suspects made their first appearance Thursday in federal court on one count each of conspiracy to manufacture at least 1,000 marijuana plants. The charge carries a maximum punishment of life in prison.

The investigation was the work of the West Metro Drug Task Force, the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. The search warrants were carried out with help from more than 100 officers from area police departments.

If you notice illegal or suspicious activity in your neighborhood, you can contact Crime Stoppers of Minnesota. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or conviction, you may receive a cash reward of up to $1000.