After an ongoing investigation over the past months, two Hispanic males were confronted by a Curry County Sheriff’s Deputy south of Brookings carrying bundles of marijuana from a property off of Winchuck River Road early Friday morning, July 30th.
The two males were detained before four additional Hispanic males were detained in connection with the illegal marijuana grow when additional deputies arrived before learning there were possibly more subjects in the area with firearms.
With evidence obtained over a period of time which started with complaints from concerned citizens, a search warrant was requested through the Curry County Circuit Court. The search warrant was authorized to enter the property to further investigate and deal with the illegal marijuana grow.
Just prior to 2:30pm, Sheriff’s Deputies along with Detectives, Supervisors, and K-9’s entered onto the property, searching the entire property for any other subjects that may be located there.
During a sweep throughout the steep wooded property that was full of mature marijuana plants, Sheriff’s Deputies located 9 large structures on the property. It was then determined that due to the number of plants that needed to be destroyed and evidence collected, assistance from members of the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team would be needed to assist with the process.
All the illegal plants that were found were cut down to be hauled away and destroyed. Deputies also found an abundance of chemicals and other items that would damage the land and nearby water system along with makeshift shelters where people had been staying on the property to work the gardens.
The six males that were arrested in connection with the illegal grow were transported to the Curry County Jail and lodged on Manufacture of a Controlled Substance. As darkness approached, Sheriff’s Reserve Deputies were called out to provide security of the property throughout the night.
On Saturday July 31st, Deputies and Search and Rescue returned to the property and gathered and/or destroyed what has been estimated to have a street value of just over fifteen million dollars. All information will be provided to the Curry County District Attorney for prosecution. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office will continue the investigation.
