NASHVILLE, GA (WALB) -
A huge marijuana bust lands a Berrien County man behind bars.
"These marijuana plants were at maturity and were ready to be harvested. We just got, I would say, very lucky in finding it when we did," said Berrien Co. Sheriff, Anthony Heath.
Found growing 12 feet high right behind this barn, Sheriff Heath says it's the second largest pot bust he's seen in Berrien County. "In my career, these individual plants are the largest that I've ever encountered."
Altogether weighing 20 pounds, worth $20,000 - 51-year-old Sonny Michael Hancock now faces felony charges. Sheriff Heath says a tip led them to the home on Aubrey Sutton Road. After two hours of surveillance, investigators came back with a search warrant and raided Hancock's home yesterday evening. Investigators found more pot inside sealed up in bags.
"Looking at how the plants were manicured, he's had quite an array of experience with this," said Heath.
Rosa Browing is new to the neighborhood and says she's shocked the quiet man down the street was arrested for growing pot. "We just recently moved here and then to come find this out, I'm like oh my God really?"
And with children in the neighborhood she's glad he's behind bars. "Little kids, what if they would have stumbled onto it and everything? I'm glad they found it."
For now Hancock remains in the Berrien County jail. He's charged with trafficking marijuana.
Copyright 2013 WALB. All rights reserved.
A Nashville man is facing pending drug trafficking charges after Berrien County Sheriff's investigators say he was growing marijuana.
Sonny Hancock, 51, was arrested and taken to the Berrien County Jail on Tuesday and faces possible charges of trafficking marijuana.
According to a release, investigators suspected marijuana was growing at 68 Aubrey Sutton Road in Nashville, and obtained a search warrant to the property.
Officials say they found five marijuana plants ranging from six to twelve feet in height, and a significant amount of harvested marijuana inside the residence.
The marijuana seized totaled 20 pounds, with an estimated street value of $20,000.00. Hancock will be charged with felony trafficking marijuana. He is currently being held at the Berrien County Jail, and so far, no bond has not been set.
Copyright 2013 WALB. All rights reserved.
