Aborted 911 call leads LPD to pot bust

LPD pot bust pix Photo: Submitted

Lebanon Police found a pound of marijuana at a Hill Street address after they followed up on an aborted call to 911.

Police are obligated to follow up on any call to 911, even if it seems to be an accidental call.

According to Lebanon Police Chief Scott Bowen, that's just what happened Jan. 20, when LPD officers responded to a Hill Street address to follow up on a 911 open line.

"The officers responded over there to the open line call — we get those," Bowen said. "It's when a call comes in there's no one there saying anything. We have to check on those."

Bowen said officers noted a strong smell associated with marijuana smoke when they knocked on the door. The officers made contact with the residents of the house and determined there was no emergency.

Bowen said that the officers found, in plain view, paraphernalia associated with marijuana use throughout the living area. A search warrant was obtained and the residence was searched.

Among the items found were one pound of green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, a 9 mm handgun, several items of paraphernalia including baggies, scales, rolling papers, a grinder, “bongs” and over $900 in cash.

"They were able to see the paraphernalia but the big thing was the smell," Bowen added. "We were there for several hours. There was no resistance. We got a search warrant and held them securely then we went in and found all the paraphernalia."

Police believe that narcotics were being sold out of the residence.

"There are several individuals who live at the house, but there probably will be only two individuals who will be charged," Bowen concluded. "We will present all that evidence to the grand jury."

Staff writer Mary Hinds may be reached at 444-3952, ext. 45 or via email at maryhinds@lebanondemocrat.com