9 marijuana plants seized in Willshire

VW independent/submitted information

WILLSHIRE — Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach announced the seizure of marijuana plants from a grow operation in Willshire.

According to the sheriff, deputies executed a search warrant at a Riley Street address in Willshire on Wednesday, following a tip about a possible marijuana grow operation at that address.

Nine marijuana plants with a street value of $9,000 were seized in connection with the search. A 42-year-old man was inside the residence when deputies served the search warrant, but was released at the scene.

Sheriff Riggenbach said the investigation is continuing and he expects the case to be presented to a future session of the County Grand Jury by the county prosecutor.

An abatement letter will also be sent to the owner of the property to advise the owner of alleged illegal activity at the house, noting that the law does allow for the seizure of property if the owner knowingly permits illegal activity to continue at a property.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by members of the West Central Ohio Crime Task Force.

The sheriff also asks that anyone with information of drug activity contact his office at 419.238.3866 or access his office’s website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com and click on the “submit a crime tip” link. Those reporting can remain anonymous.

County residents can also anonymously report possible illegal activity by calling Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP.