Police Arrest 21 in Drug Raid at Plant Nursery
May 10, 2018
On May 1, Florida authorities raided a plant nursery near Orange City after receiving numerous complaints about alleged drug activity and vagrancy occurring on the property. The operation led to the arrest of 21 people.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, community members complained of foul smells coming from C.J. Farms and Nursery, which is located at 711 Sunset Avenue. They also alleged that drug abusers were squatting on the 10-acre complex and committing thefts in the area. As a result of the complaints, authorities obtained search warrants for two houses on the property. During the raid, officers reportedly seized 8 grams of methamphetamine, 8 grams of hash, 2.3 grams of heroin, 2 grams of cannabis, 1.7 grams of cocaine, 1.25 grams of crack cocaine and a number of prescription painkillers and sedatives. They also uncovered a stolen .35-caliber rifle.
At the time of the raid, 27 people were found living on the complex. Of those, 21 were arrested, including the 62-year-old owner of the property. He was charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. The other defendants, who range in age from 25 to 50, were mostly charged with drug crimes, including possession of meth, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Other charges included possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, littering over 500 pounds, violating parole and violating probation. Authorities said that more charges are expected to be filed in the future.
Defendants facing drug charges can face serious consequences, including incarceration. However, by working with a criminal defense attorney, it may be possible to obtain a more positive outcome. An attorney could examine the evidence and work to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Source: The Daytona Beach, “21 busted in drug raid at plant nursery near Orange City“, Patricio Balona, May 3, 2018