Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Hundreds of marijuana plants seized

WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) - Marathon County drug agents have confiscated more than $2 million in marijuana plants in what they say is the largest drug seizure in the county.

Sheriff's officials searched a home in Wausau and another in rural Athens after getting a tip from a local delivery company about a suspicious package. Authorities say more than 700 marijuana plants were found at the rural Athens home as well as growing equipment and processed marijuana. Agents seized cash and drugs at the Wausau house.

Bryan Arnold, 33, is facing numerous felony drug charges in connection with the plants found in the basement of his parent's Athens home. WSAW-TV says Arnold made an initial appearance in Marathon County Circuit Court Monday when bond was set at $25,000 cash. Arnold's attorney is not listed in court records.

Marathon County Sheriff Scott Parks said the amount of drugs seized is the largest ever in the county.

"I cannot recall anything larger pertaining to manufacturing and harvesting marijuana cases from the past," Parks said.

It's the first major arrest involving a K-9 officer since the department introduced three new dogs to the department last month.

"This joint investigation is a good example of the success of local law enforcement working together to take illegal substances off the street, with the assistance of the K-9s and their handlers," Parks said.

 
 
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