UMPIRE – A local man was arrested on multiple drug charges Thursday after authorities executing a search warrant at his home allegedly discovered a large-scale marijauna operation.
According to a statement issued by Sheriff Bryan McJunkins, 39 year old Gary Brian Cogburn was taken into custody by officers of the Arkansas State Police, South Central Drug Task Force and the Howard County Sheriff’s Department at his De Spain Road residence, where authorities seized over 50 marijuana plants.
“There were approximately 30 plants growing inside the home in containers with ‘grow’ lights over the plants. This is what law enforcement refers to as an ‘indoor grow,'” McJunkins said in the statement. “Soil, fertilizer, containers, water and lights were being used to produce the marijuana from seeds. Officers found approximately 20 more plants growing outside of the house. Typically these plants are capable of producing approximately one pound of processed marijuana per plant.”
Authorities also seized an estimated four pounds of the contraband in assorted plastic containers, two sets of scales and an unspecified number of firearms.
As a result of the incident, Cogburn is facing charges of possessing a controlled substance with purpose to deliver and manufacturing a controlled substance. His bond had not been set at press time.
