By Joseph Edgerton
Staff Writer

Pembroke police have won another battle in the war on drugs; their most recent bust is the third in the area since the spring.

Lt. Scott Lane was one of the officers who served Jean Plante, 35, of 704 Cross Country Road, Pembroke, with a search warrant.

Maturing cannabis plants, pipes and sealed bags of processed marijuana were among the paraphernalia seized by Pembroke police at the residence of Jean Plante. Officer Dawn Shea, shown, was one of four who assisted in serving the search warrant. In the foreground are bongs used to smoke marijuana, seized in the raid. (Joseph Edgerton Photo)

"There's always an element of risk and concern involved when serving a warrant," said Lane. "There's concern for the safety of yourself, your suspect, and the evidence."

In this case, all three were intact; the search of the property yielded seven marijuana plants, and nearly a half pound of processed marijuana. The processed material was sealed in airtight wrappers. Five firearms and assorted drug paraphernalia were also found.

"The suspects were surprised, but compliant," Lane said. "A female answered the door, and Mr. Plante was not there."

Jean Plante has been charged with two Class B felonies: manufacturing a controlled drug, and possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute. This is the third marijuanagrowing operation since spring that police have disrupted.

On July 21, Richard Kennard, 43, and his son Damian, 21, were both arrested after police served them with a search warrant at their 235 Dearborn Road home. Police had been investigating the property for three years.

"This is a good example of citizens getting involved," said Lane. "Obviously, we can't go ahead and act on just one tip, but when a few come in, we can investigate, gather intelligence, and go to work."

Both were charged with manufacturing of a controlled drug, possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, and contempt of bail. Lane said that all three charges are felonies punishable by three and a half to seven years in prison.

Additionally, the Kennards were charged with possession of a controlled drug, a Class A misdemeanor punishable with up to a year of prison time and a $2,000 fine.

In May, the police served a warrant at an apartment on 43 Front St. Officers uncovered a marijuana-growing operation while searching the building on an unrelated investigation.

Jillian George, 22, and Jared Alley, 20, of the same address, were arrested and charged with manufacturing a controlled drug and possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute.

Lane said that the technology enabling criminals to grow marijuana is rapidly evolving. Some manufacturers grow marijuana hydroponically; they use fertilizer and lamps, but no soil.

"Most of the apparatus they use is commercially available and legal," he said. "Marijuana grown indoors is a whole different and better-engineered operation. It's more potent, and has higher levels of THC."

Chief Wayne Cheney was happy with the recent arrests.

"We're very pleased with the community support, and this is good news to us because it shows just how hard our investigators can work," he said. "The arrests send a clear message - we're not going to tolerate this activity, and if you take part in it, we're coming for you."

The chief also admitted that while the department has enjoyed great success, its mission is a difficult one.

"It can be frustrating at times," he said. "You take two in, and more take their place. These guys are getting smarter, but they're not smart enough. You can't send a message that we're going to quit."

Cheney said marijuana is the number one drug in the state, and that preventing people from using it is critical in the war on drugs.

"There's been a gradual increase in marijuana-growing operations in the state, and part of drug interdiction involves aggressive investigations like these."

He added, "Crime just doesn't pay. I'm amazed that people think that they can get away with the illegal stuff that they're doing."