Published: July 23, 2008 08:25 pm            

Police seize pot-growing operation

TIPTON — Indiana State Police Trooper T.J. Zeiser discovered a marijuana-growing operation and arrested the allegedly cultivator, Phillip Anthony Epperly Sr., 43, Tipton.

Epperly faces a Class D felony charges of cultivating marijuana over 30 grams and maintaining a common nuisance.

Officers from the Indiana State Police Domestic Cannabis Eradication Team and Tipton County Sheriff Department executed a search warrant on a residence at 3980 S. 500 West, Tipton, and found Epperly allegedly running a pot-growing operation.

Officers seized 27 marijuana plants from the backyard of the residence. The illegal crop had purportedly been planted around a privacy fence near a garden in the yard. Epperly Sr., the home owner, was arrested and is being held in the Tipton County Jail. He has a surety bond of $15,000.

Citizens are encouraged to report suspected illegal drug activity by calling the Indiana State Police Marijuana Tip Line at 1-888-873-1694. The calls can be made anonymously.

        

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