Hydroponic Marijuana Bust Leads To 24 Arrests In Permian Basin
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: November 30, 2011
MIDLAND -- A massive drug bust led to the arrests of 24 alleged drug dealers in Midland Tuesday.
Authorities say those arrested were pushing an a new more potent kind of marijuana, and they were selling the drug within 300 yards of local schools and playgrounds.
A press conference Tuesday afternoon marked the culmination of a year long investigation between more than a dozen local state and federal agencies .
Authorities arrested 24 people Tuesday, ranging in age from 18 to 66 years old. Authorities also seized 60 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, at least 25 firearms and more than $45,000 in cash.
Hydroponic marijuana is said to be more potent and expensive than regular marijuana, usually going for $4,000 a pound on the streets.
U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman says he can't recall any other case like this dealing with hydroponic marijuana in the Permian Basin.
Pitman says he doesn't know if those arrested were targeting students -- but authorities say the accused drug dealers were selling the marijuana at C.J. Kelley Park, near Bonham Elementary and near Coleman High school.
"As for these particular organization," Pitman told Big 2. "I hope the dent will be quite large."
Authorities say the drug ring leader is Cody Lyn Timmons of Andrews. Officials say Timmons, 37, got the marijuana from California, and distributed it to the 23 other people involved.
Authorities also say Timmons tried to grow the hydroponic marijuana locally.
The 24 people who arrested will be at federal court Thursday and Friday morning for preliminary hearings.
Authorities say those arrested were pushing an a new more potent kind of marijuana, and they were selling the drug within 300 yards of local schools and playgrounds.
A press conference Tuesday afternoon marked the culmination of a year long investigation between more than a dozen local state and federal agencies .
Authorities arrested 24 people Tuesday, ranging in age from 18 to 66 years old. Authorities also seized 60 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, at least 25 firearms and more than $45,000 in cash.
Hydroponic marijuana is said to be more potent and expensive than regular marijuana, usually going for $4,000 a pound on the streets.
U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman says he can't recall any other case like this dealing with hydroponic marijuana in the Permian Basin.
Pitman says he doesn't know if those arrested were targeting students -- but authorities say the accused drug dealers were selling the marijuana at C.J. Kelley Park, near Bonham Elementary and near Coleman High school.
"As for these particular organization," Pitman told Big 2. "I hope the dent will be quite large."
Authorities say the drug ring leader is Cody Lyn Timmons of Andrews. Officials say Timmons, 37, got the marijuana from California, and distributed it to the 23 other people involved.
Authorities also say Timmons tried to grow the hydroponic marijuana locally.
The 24 people who arrested will be at federal court Thursday and Friday morning for preliminary hearings.
