By Dan Joling
Associated Press
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A man suspected of operating a large marijuana-growing operation in Juneau, Alaska, cursed a police officer who tried to question him and drove off in a skiff, according to Juneau police.
Municipal, state and federal officers on Friday served a search warrant at a home on Fritz Cove on the Juneau’s north side.
That man who lives at the home was in a skiff when the officers arrived. He refused to come ashore and speak to officers, according to the Juneau Police Department.
“He yelled an obscenity at a JPD officer who tried to talk to him and took off in the skiff,” police said.
Inside the home, officers seized 141 marijuana plants that ranged from seedlings to 3-foot specimens. They collected dried marijuana that filled a 55-gallon bag.
They seized elaborate grow equipment, including lights and power inverters. Officers also seized a handgun, cash and a bullet-proof vest.
No charges have been filed and the man’s name was not released.
The Coast Guard sent over a patrol boat to look for the man and the skiff but he has not been found.
Police did not return a call Sunday regarding developments in the case.
Police are investigating the case as felony misconduct involving a controlled substance. Possession of more than 25 marijuana plants is a felony.
Possession of up to four ounces of marijuana in a home has been legal under privacy provisions of Alaska state law. Alaskans voted in November to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Possession of up to an ounce outside the home is legal under state law as is growing up to six plants.
State officials are developing rules for selling, growing and testing marijuana.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.