GreenSurfer
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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Man could get life in pot bust[/FONT]
[FONT=Times New Roman, Serif]Jackson resident was growing 51 plants, officials say
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Heather Civil
heather.civil@clarionledger.com [/FONT]
A 33-year-old Jackson man accused of growing marijuana in his apartment could get up to life in prison if convicted.
In the case of Ronald Christopher Sekul, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics intends to ask prosecutors to apply a law called the "kingpin" statute, MBN Director Marshall Fisher said.
The statute can be applied to Sekul's case because he allegedly had a drug operation for longer than 12 consecutive months and had more than 10 pounds of marijuana, Fisher said.
Sekul was arrested Wednesday for allegedly growing 4-foot marijuana plants in the back bedroom of the fourplex he lives in at 1510 Myrtle St., according to MBN.
He is out of jail on $50,000 bond.
"It was a pretty sophisticated operation," Fisher said.
Sekul is charged with manufacture of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute and possession of two handguns and an assault rifle, Fisher said.
Authorities found 51 marijuana plants growing under florescent lights with a system set up to keep humidity levels optimal for growing in the room, Fisher said.
The plants could have produced 10 pounds of processed marijuana with an estimated $50,000 street value.
Sekul also was allegedly in possession of eight pounds of processed marijuana.
Agents seized growing materials usually seen in indoor marijuana operations, a .40-caliber handgun, a .22-caliber handgun and a .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle.
Investigators from the Jackson Enforcement Team were told about Sekul's alleged operation by an anonymous tipster, Fisher said.
JET, formed in August 2008, is funded by part of a $3.5 million federal grant.
"It's valuable to have different levels of expertise (with JET)," Jackson Police Department Assistant Police Chief Lee Vance said. "I think JET is a successful venture."
Sekul is the second Jackson person arrested in as many weeks with an alleged indoor marijuana-growing operation.
Fisher said indoor growing operations might be on the increase, but only slightly.
"We've seen a steady downward trend on outdoor growing over the years," he said.
On Sept. 18, the home of Zachary Alexander, 33, at 378 Naples Road, was raided and plants with an estimated street value of $325,000 were seized.
He is charged with manufacture and felony possession of marijuana. He is out on $5,000 bond.
[FONT=Times New Roman, Serif]Jackson resident was growing 51 plants, officials say
[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]
Heather Civil
heather.civil@clarionledger.com [/FONT]
A 33-year-old Jackson man accused of growing marijuana in his apartment could get up to life in prison if convicted.
In the case of Ronald Christopher Sekul, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics intends to ask prosecutors to apply a law called the "kingpin" statute, MBN Director Marshall Fisher said.
The statute can be applied to Sekul's case because he allegedly had a drug operation for longer than 12 consecutive months and had more than 10 pounds of marijuana, Fisher said.
Sekul was arrested Wednesday for allegedly growing 4-foot marijuana plants in the back bedroom of the fourplex he lives in at 1510 Myrtle St., according to MBN.
He is out of jail on $50,000 bond.
"It was a pretty sophisticated operation," Fisher said.
Sekul is charged with manufacture of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute and possession of two handguns and an assault rifle, Fisher said.
Authorities found 51 marijuana plants growing under florescent lights with a system set up to keep humidity levels optimal for growing in the room, Fisher said.
The plants could have produced 10 pounds of processed marijuana with an estimated $50,000 street value.
Sekul also was allegedly in possession of eight pounds of processed marijuana.
Agents seized growing materials usually seen in indoor marijuana operations, a .40-caliber handgun, a .22-caliber handgun and a .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle.
Investigators from the Jackson Enforcement Team were told about Sekul's alleged operation by an anonymous tipster, Fisher said.
JET, formed in August 2008, is funded by part of a $3.5 million federal grant.
"It's valuable to have different levels of expertise (with JET)," Jackson Police Department Assistant Police Chief Lee Vance said. "I think JET is a successful venture."
Sekul is the second Jackson person arrested in as many weeks with an alleged indoor marijuana-growing operation.
Fisher said indoor growing operations might be on the increase, but only slightly.
"We've seen a steady downward trend on outdoor growing over the years," he said.
On Sept. 18, the home of Zachary Alexander, 33, at 378 Naples Road, was raided and plants with an estimated street value of $325,000 were seized.
He is charged with manufacture and felony possession of marijuana. He is out on $5,000 bond.
