15 Million Dollars of Marijuana Found in Gilmer County

News

FYN has just received a press release from the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway Drug Task Force concerning the marijuana grow found in Gilmer County yesterday.

On July 19, 2012, Agents with the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway DTF along with Gilmer County Deputies and local DNR Rangers participated in the annual marijuana flyovers of Gilmer County. This operation is conducted in coordination with The Governor’s Task Force. This task force is comprised of officers from the Georgia State Patrol, Department of Corrections, Department of Natural Resources, National Guard, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. During the operation three grow sites were located yesterday. The first site was located in the Tickanetley, Old Parker Place Road area. This area was flown based on a tip by a homeowner in the area. This grow had a camp site that was abandoned, and several indicators of a “Mexican Grow”. All but 25 marijuana plants had been pulled from the ground. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 plants were grown there at one time based on the empty holes in the ground.

While that grow was being investigated, the helicopter spotted a bigger grow approximately four air miles away. This grow was located on Highway 52 East near Southern Road. The grow was spread out over an approximate 3 to 4 acre area. There was a tent and kitchen with fresh vegetables and food. A bathroom area was set up near a creek along with a generator, gas, and extension cords. Two water cisterns were located and one contained a pump to move the water from the creek up the side of the mountain. An irrigation system was in use on the plants closest to the creek. It was believed that the grow was abandoned when the helicopter first flew over. The grow was processed and 12,887 marijuana plants were removed. The street value of the marijuana is over $15,000,000. Several hours later DNR Rangers spotted two Hispanic males climbing a fence about one-half a mile from the grow. The males were detained and identified as Miguel Angel Silva of Roswell, and Angel Adrian Ramirez of Chamblee. After the investigation was complete both individuals were charged with Manufacturing Marijuana.

Acting on a tip from a citizen, the helicopter crew located a third grow behind a residence on Brushy Top Road. When the helicopter flew over, the home owner, later identified as John Michael Wicker, started burning the plants using gasoline. A GSP Trooper was the first to arrive. Wicker refused to obey the trooper’s commands and had to physically be taken to the ground. During this incident, the trooper’s pants leg caught on fire, and he suffered burns. He was later treated and released from a local hospital. Nineteen marijuana plants were seized along with two firearms. Wicker was arrested and charged with Manufacturing Marijuana, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Misdemeanor Obstruction.

The drug task force is supported by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the District Attorney. If you have any information about drug activity in Pickens, Gilmer, or Fannin Counties please call 1-866-920-6384 all calls are anonymous.

Brandon Owens, Commander of The ZMDTF

To view photos of the Marijuana found in Gilmer County yesterday, please view the slideshow below.

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