Police uncover marijuana deal

One man was arrested and several others could be implicated following a recent marijuana bust in Roachdale.

Indiana State Police officers, acting on a tip, raided two neighboring residences on North East Street in Roachdale last Friday evening, coming away with more than $100,000 worth of marijuana.

State Trooper Tim Cummins told the BannerGraphic that officers seized approximately 70 plants along with around 60 grams of processed marijuana which police believe was packaged and ready for sale.

They arrested 43-year-old Keith Martin and and are currently pursuing other suspects, Cummins said.

Martin was arrested Friday evening on charges of dealing in marijuana, cultivating marijuana and possession of marijuana.

Cummins said the plants were being grown in containers inside a camper near the residence.

Police also found a set of scales and plastic bags, which Cummins says is a telltale sign that drugs are being sold.

"That's more than just for personal use," Cummins said.

Assisting at the scene were officers from the Putnam County Sheriff's Department and Roachdale Police.

Cummins said the current market value of marijuana is around $500 to $1,000 per plant. Processed marijuana is going at a rate of between $200 to $300 per ounce.

Cummins said marijuana-growing operations are a continued problem in this part of the country. Also he said there is more to the problem than just marijuana.

"A lot of people think of it as a non-harming drug," Cummins said. "But many times when we find marijuana, we find other drugs, such as meth."

He said anyone with information about illegal drug activity can contact him at the State Police Putnamville post. The phone number is 653-4114.