In a multi-jurisdicitional endeavor dubbed "Operation Hooked on 'Ponics," federal and local drug enforcement officials announced the indictment of more than two dozen people for growing marijuana in homes across the metro Atlanta region and distributing it throughout the southeast.
The marijuana was grown in using hydroponic (waterless) technology in homes situated in upscale subdivisions.
According to the thirty four count federal indictment, a Fayetteville couple ran the multi-million dollar marijuana distribution operation.
Prosecutors say the two are licensed real estate agents who allegedly purchased nearly 50 homes in the Atlanta region and used them to grow the marijuana.
Rodney Benson is special agent in charge of the DEA’s Atlanta field division.
He suspects the operation reached far beyond Georgia.
"We have not seen anything of this size and scope in this state. In other places, but here, this is the largest we've seen. It clearly was operating multi-state regional. We saw distribution up the eastern seaboard as well."”
Authorities say the drugs seized -- including plants and marijuana already packaged for street sale -- had a street value of more than 55 million dollars.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Twenty-five indicted in ATL pot ring; Justice Dept. launches Operation Hooked on 'Ponics
