Adam Huening
Greensburg Daily News
Greensburg —
Many people have weeds growing in their backyards, but for some rural Bartholomew County residents, it was more than dandelions.
According to Indiana State Police Sgt. Noel Houze, after a tip from a concerned citizen, troopers visited a residence at 6731 E. Co. Rd. 800 S. near Elizabethtown. No one was home and, as troopers made their way around the perimeter of the house, they discovered the residentsÕ proclivity for botany and chemistry.
"When troopers arrived no one was home and they discovered 10 marijuana plants ranging from three- to five-feet in height growing in the backyard of the residence," Houze said.
With the discovery of the plants, the ISP obtained a search warrant for the residence. Troopers along with the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section carried out the search. Inside, they discovered a cornucopia of drugs and drug-related items. Troopers catalogued 'an estimated one pound of marijuana in the house drying, numerous articles of paraphernalia, along with other items inside the house indicating the probable use of methamphetamine, numerous prescription pills, and a large sum of cash.' The chemistry set, however was out back. Troopers discovered a meth lab in an outbuilding on the property, which prompted the arrival of the ISP Meth Lab Team.
Houze noted further investigation will be conducted to determine the legality of the prescription pills.
According to Houze, the residents of the home did not return and arrests have yet to be made. However, numerous drug-related charges are expected to filed in Bartholomew County. The investigation is ongoing
