Butler County Sheriff's Office

[Public Info Officer]

For Immediate Release… July 31, 2012

Drought Apparently Hurting Marijuana Crops, Too

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones reports that more than 80 marijuana plants have been cut down and confiscated as a result of eradication efforts this year in Butler County. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office spearheads an annual state-wide marijuana eradication effort. This week, the Sheriff’s aviation unit and investigators focused on Butler County.

Using spotters from the air, ground units are guided to areas where marijuana plants area observed growing. Seven different locations scattered throughout the county were identified and targeted. Typically, it is difficult to have enough evidence to make formal arrests because land owners are often unaware of grow operations on their properties. It is anticipated that the investigations here in Butler County will likely result in at least two arrests this year.

Sheriff Jones is pleased to once again participate in the Attorney General’s program. “It’s always good to minimize or stop local production of marijuana,” said Sheriff Jones. “This year, I’m told the size of the plants confiscated have been considerably smaller than in years past. I guess the current drought we are experiencing is not just hurting our legitimate, hard-working farmers, but seems to be also taking its toll on the poor drug dealers, too. What a shame.”

Prepared by: Sgt. Monte Mayer
Public Information Officer
Operations Support