Iowa police have reported that marijuana with a street value of $56,000 was discovered during the search of a Hancock County residence on April 19. Media reports indicate that a 28-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene in connection with seized drugs. He has been charged with both misdemeanor and felony drug possession and faces a sentencing enhancement because the narcotics were discovered with 1,000 feet of a public park. He was released from the Winnebago County Jail on April 19 after paying a $10,000 bond.
The search warrant was executed by officers from the Forest City Police Department at a residence on Grove Avenue in Garner. The FCPD investigation was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol. Police claim that the man who answered the door told them that he has about 10 pounds of marijuana and marijuana dabs in the house. Dabs are a type of highly potent marijuana extract.
During the ensuing search, officers claim to have discovered 13 pounds of marijuana and a pound of marijuana dabs. Police say that about $2,000 in cash and several devices used to consume marijuana and marijuana dabs were also found. According to police, the seized marijuana could have been sold on the street for about $2,800 per pound and the marijuana dabs would have brought in an additional $20,000.
Individuals often feel that full disclosure is in their best interests when the discovery of incriminating evidence is inevitable, but experienced criminal defense attorneys would likely advise them to remain silent. Compelling evidence can do no harm if a jury does not see it, but challenging the validity of drug charges or questioning the actions of the police officers involved may not accomplish very much if defendants have confessed and willingly led police to important evidence.
Source: The Globe Gazzette, “Update: Garner man arrested after drug bust nets $56K+ of marijuana”, Courtney Fiorini, April 24, 2017
