Pot eradication project yields 700 plants

MAT-SU -- The Mat-Su Drug Team seized a total of 700 marijuana plants from 17 alleged indoor-growing operations located throughout the Valley over the last two months, according to an announcement released last week by the Alaska State Troopers.

From Oct. 22 to Nov. 8, the drug unit conducted marijuana investigations in Palmer, Wasilla, Houston, Big Lake, Willow and Trapper Creek -- contacting people they believed were growing pot at 21 locations, according to Alaska State Trooper reports.

Some of the growing operations consisted of as few as 10 plants, while others had more than 100 plants, troopers stated.

Drug team members seized $10,000 in cash, in addition to the plants, growing equipment, processed marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms -- several of which had been reported as stolen. Charges against 19 people were referred to the Palmer district attorney's office.

Aaron Trenton, 30, of Wasilla; Edward A. Butler, 43, of Wasilla; and Mark K. Carter, 44, of Wasilla, were arrested in connection with the busts and taken to Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility. Each was charged with four felony counts of misconduct involving a controlled substance.

An additional 70 plants were seized on the morning of Nov. 19 in Houston, when an alleged indoor commercial growing operation was discovered at a home on Ballyshannon. The owner of the home was not present when a search warrant was used to check out the dwelling, according to troopers.

The Mat-Su Drug Team is comprised of investigators from the Alaska State Troopers' statewide drug enforcement unit, and Palmer and Wasilla police. It is partially funded by a federal grant provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.