Law-enforcement officers raided two homes today in McVille, N.D. -- one where marijuana was being grown and another where it was being sold, Nelson County Sheriff Kelly Janke said.
Roughly 75 plants, some as tall as 6 feet, and equipment used for growing marijuana indoors were seized, Janke said.
With guns drawn, officers entered the homes shortly after 7 a.m. when the residents were sleeping. Three people -- Wayne Eli, 35; Philip Imler, 19; and Brenda McCollum, 46 -- were arrested.
They are being held on drug charges at the Lake Region Correctional Center. Messages left for them there were not immediately returned.
Janke said marijuana was being grown inside 204 McDougal Ave. W. and sold at 122 Lee St. He said the case was unusual because the operation was in a small town like McVille, which has a population of about 400.
ADVERTISEMENT
Janke said today's raid was part of an investigation that started several months ago. He said more people could be charged as the investigation continues.
Along with the sheriff's department, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the area narcotics task force and the state Highway Patrol took part in the bust.
