Monday, July 30, 2007

Drug Enforcement Agents make record pot seizure at Dallas-Grand Prairie border

By Kirk Dickey of Grand Prairie TODAY

Drug Enforcement Agents, working from a tip to Grand Prairie Police, discovered what may be the largest cache of marijuana plants in Metroplex history on July 20 and eradicated that field on July 21.

Special Agent Terry Wyatt of the DEA said that the agency recovered 10,451 plants worth close to $5 million in street value because of a tip to the Grand Prairie CrimeStopper's line. The plants were located in about 10 plots over a five- to seven-acre stretch of land near the Dallas-Grand Prairie border at FM 1382 and Camp Wisdom Road.

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A combination of three DEA Task Forces and officers from numerous law enforcement agencies worked to clear the plants from the area on July 21. Wyatt said she appreciates all of the help that Grand Prairie Police played in the operation, beyond the original tip.

In addition to manpower, the department set up an air conditioned command post offering water and refreshments for the agents and other officers working on the eradication effort. The department provided security as well as an all-terrain vehicle with a trailer on the back, to haul the marijuana out of the woods. “There was just great, great cooperation and assistance from them,” Wyatt said. “We just really appreciate it. We needed all of the manpower and help that we could get.”

Wyatt said that the department has had good cooperation from the public in the form of tips and information from people surrounding the property, which is owned by Oncor, a utility distribution company owned by TXU.

“The community has really been great,” Wyatt said. “They have come forward with things they have seen over the past two to three years - people there at the tree line, vehicles and all of that.

“We have several leads, but we have just been busy just getting the marijuana out of there over the weekend.”

Wyatt said that the Grand Prairie CrimeStoppers number is the best way for residents to get information to the DEA. That number is 972-988-TIPS (8477).

Oncor Local Area Manager Buddy Bridges said that from a company perspective, he disliked having Oncor's name associated with the situation, but is glad to aid law enforcement in their efforts.

“Our role was very similar to a homeowner having a house fire,” he said. “We just granted permission to the firefighters to get after it and do what they need to do and we took a sideline and hoped for the best.”

From the perspective as a parent and community member, he said he was glad it was located

“I am glad they cleared it out and I am glad it is not going to be on the streets for kids and other folks to be able to get their hands on,” he said.

He said the land is very inaccessible and is not being used for transmission lines at this time. It is being held for future power distribution use.

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