Laurens County last week.
According to Laurens Sheriff Bill Harrell, a Governors Task Force
helicopter was doing a fly-over of Laurens County Thursday when officers in
the helicopter saw what appeared to be planting beds off Barron Lane near
Dexter.
DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) estimated the plants to be valued at
$2,000 each at maturity, said Harrell.
Members of the Laurens County Sheriffs Drug Unit, Investigations Unit
and the GTF inspected the clear-cut areas on the ground and verified the
plants were marijuana plants in beds. The 357 plants were believed to be
intended for moving to other locations once they reached transplant size.
Weve just started our growing season, said Harrell, explaining because
of the local climate the plants had not had time to reach the size to be moved
or sold.
As the economy continues to be slow those who would resort to illegal
methods to make money may be on the increase.
Harrell asked that any resident who sees any activity or behavior they
consider unusual or suspicious contact his office, especially if it involves
entering or leaving wooded areas at odd times when hunting seasons are out.
Also, residents should report if anyone is seen entering or leaving property
that does not belong to them and they do not have an obvious reason to be
on the property because many times those who grow marijuana seek out
secluded or wide areas of property to plant the cash crop on.