Smelly package leads to arrests in Ketchikan marijuana grow

A package arrives Tuesday in Craig smelling like pot, prompting authorities go to the sender's house. There, they spot men loading marijuana plants into a car and seize a suspected grow operation.

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Misconduct Involving a Controlled Substance IV x 4

On 1-25-11 at approximately 1545 hours, Ketchikan SEACAD was notified by the Craig Police Dept that they had identified a suspicious package at a local air carrier in Craig that had the strong odor of marijuana. Investigation by Craig PD revealed that Kenneth Werth Jr, age 45 of Ketchikan, had shipped the package to Robert Vickers, age 56 of Craig. Vickers consented to a search of the package and 1.8 ounces of marijuana were found inside.

SEACAD located Werth's residence at 5213 Shoreline Drive and immediately observed a vehicle parked in front of the residence and two males were observed loading live marijuana plants from Werth's residence into the vehicle. AST patrol and the Ketchikan Police Dept responded and stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Tongass and Jefferson.

The driver was identified as Thomas Allen, age 38 of Ketchikan. A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and residence on Shoreline Drive. Seized from the vehicle were 10 live marijuana plants, grow lights and related grow equipment.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence and 38 live marijuana plants, grow lights and related grow equipment were seized. Two plants weighing 7 ounces had already been harvested along with 10 ounces of harvested and dried "bud" along with approximately 8 ounces of marijuana trimmings. An automatic tumbler suspected to be used to manufacture hashish was also seized along with approximately 10 grams
of hashish.

Kenneth Werth Jr was arrested for 4 counts of MICS IV and transported to the Ketchikan Correctional Center. Charges were forwarded for MICS IV on Thomas Allen.

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