Local News
Task force finds, destroys hundreds of pot plants
An estimated 200 marijuana plants have been yanked from the ground — but the ones doing the “harvesting” were members of the joint city and county narcotics task force.
“It’s our first green-leaf marijuana bust of the year,” said Pittsburg County Sheriff Joel Kerns.
Kerns said members of the task force, comprised of members of the sheriff’s department and the McAlester police department, received information that marijuana was growing in a remote area around Stuart.
At first officers considered staking out the area, but decided to go ahead and eradicate it, the sheriff said.
“It was ready for harvest,” Kerns said.
“There were some plants that were nine or 10 feet tall.”
The sheriff said it took about two hours on Monday evening to pull up the plants and then carry them to where law enforcement vehicles were parked.
He said there have been no arrests and the property owner is not a suspect.
“It was in a remote area and the property owner was not even aware it was there,” he said.
Assistant McAlester Police Chief Darrell Miller said the operation was a cooperative effort.
“I just want to express my appreciation to the officers of the narcotics task force and praise the effort of the McAlester Police Department and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Department in helping keep illegal drugs off the street,” Miller said.
“One of our main goals is to keep all drugs out of the reach of our children.
“Drugs are a reality that every parent could possibly face head-on.” Miller said. “It is very important for our law enforcement and our parents to work together to make our community safe and drug-free.”
Miller said that anyone who has any information about illegal drug activity or any other crime can contact the McAlester police at 423-1212, the sheriff’s department at 423-5858 or Crime Stoppers at (1) 866 970-8477.
“You can remain anonymous,” Miller said of those who contact Crime Stoppers.
Kerns hopes the marijuana eradication sends a message.
“We’re going go be out there,” he said.
Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.
- Local News
-
-
MPD officer named in assault complaint
Pittsburg County sheriff’s deputies say they are getting closer to wrapping up a probe into an altercation involving two groups of people that occurred on the shores of Lake Eufaula at Bedford Beach, located at Sooner Haven in the Longtown area.
-
More than 1,300 expected for Saturday concert festival
This year Jared Hauff and his family, along with numerous other helpers, have chosen to put on “In the Field” for the second year.
-
Miss McAlester pageant set for Saturday
The ladies of Beta Iota of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International are excited that Miss Oklahoma 2010 Emoly West will be the emcee for the Miss McAlester Pageant.
-
McAlester councilman readies to take city job at Healdton
Ward 6 McAlester City Councilor Louis Smitherman says he’s working out the final details to become the new city manager at Healdton.
-
City pool blamed for damage to home
Summer fun at the Komar wading pool could dry up early if a suspected leak causing damage to a neighborhood residence can’t be fixed without draining the pool, though city officials are reluctant to explore that option, hoping to keep the pool open through the remainder of the summer season.
- Immigration ruling could send message to states
-
Suspect in Dibble deaths appears in court
Prosecutors say they plan to file formal charges within 10 days against a Blanchard man accused in the deaths of a Dibble woman and her two young children.
-
Last park concert of summer set for Thursday
Members of a local band which calls itself Anacrusis may be young — but they couple a love for roots music with modern rock to create their sound.
-
Tearing it down, one brick at a time
Have you ever attempted to tear down a structure with just your bare hands? It’s not easy, to some it is downright impossible; but to Tom Joyce, 73, it’s all in a day’s work.
- MPS offers school supplies
- More Local News Headlines
-
MPD officer named in assault complaint
