Published: April 29, 2009 07:56 am      

POLICE BEAT: Pot bust in WS

21 plants found in backyard, say police

Upon receiving information recently of a marijuana manufacturing operation, White Springs Police Lieutenant Tracy Capalla quickly assembled a team of White Springs Police and the Hamilton County Drug Task Force members. Their target: a residence on Mill Street where marijuana plants were reported to be growing in the backyard.

After receiving consent to search from a resident of the home, the team entered the property and discovered 21 marijuana plants, along with paraphernalia and plant food, according to police reports.

Arrested in the operation was 35-year-old Roderick Sebastian Gibbons. Gibbons was charged with the sale, manufacture, delivery and possession of a controlled substance and booked into the Hamilton County Jail. He was later released on a $5,000 bond.

"This arrest was not only the result of hard work on the part of law enforcement but the cooperation we have with the citizens of this town,” said White Springs Police Chief Ken Brookins. “They sent a clear message that they intend to work together in order to provide for safe streets for their children and a peaceful place to live."