Published: July 01, 2009 09:45 pm         

State Police locate, eradicate 120 pot plants along Wabash River

More than 120 marijuana plants growing along the Wabash River were eradicated by the Indiana State Police on Wednesday.

Shortly before noon, the ISP Post at Terre Haute received a tip about a possible marijuana plot in southwestern Vigo County. ISP Marijuana Eradication Officer Trooper Jason Kempf and Sgt. Jared Nicoson were sent to the remote area to investigate.

After walking and driving about a mile through dense brush and wet ground, the troopers located the plot. The plants were removed and transported to the ISP Post where they were entered as evidence and will be destroyed.

The plants totaled 123 and ranged in size from 4-6 feet. The street value, had the plants grown to full maturity, was estimated at $75,000-$100,000.

The investigation is ongoing and no arrests had been made as of 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Anyone with information on this case or other suspected plots within the Terre Haute district is urged to call Trooper Kempf at (812) 299-1153. The Terre Haute District is comprised of Parke, Vermillion, Clay, Vigo and Sullivan counties.

Citizens are reminded to call law enforcement if a suspected plot is located as troopers sometimes find the plots “booby-trapped” with firearms or sharp objects.

In 2008, ISP eradicated more than 20 million marijuana plants which led to 744 criminal charges being filed, 182 weapons seized and $947,000 in property seizures.