October 9, 2024 3:00 p.m.  

A Douglas Interagency Narcotics Team investigation led to locating illegal drugs and multiple arrests on Tuesday.

DINT Commander Lieutenant Rick McArthur said with the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 700 block of Yeust Road in Azalea. McArthur said detectives were investigating an illegal marijuana operation that has been ongoing.

A DINT release said detectives located approximately 1,217 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, along with approximately 20 pounds of processed marijuana, and 9 pounds of marijuana extract, commonly referred to as BHO. McArthur said detectives located lots of other evidence of illegal marijuana production and distribution. That included finding suspected Psilocybin mushrooms, Xanax, tramadol and anabolic steroids.

McArthur said it appears the suspects had been illegally pumping water from a nearby creek as a water source for marijuana production.

The release said detectives also found numerous firearms, some of them strategically placed around the growing operation, presumably as protection for the illegal activity.

Three Azalea men were located on the scene. 46-year-old Michael Long was charged with unlawful possession, manufacture and delivery of marijuana, unlawful possession and delivery of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, and unlawful possession of a Schedule III Controlled Substance. 59-year-old Daniel Roy was charged with unlawful possession, manufacture and delivery of marijuana. 24-year-old Angel Ortega was cited and released for unlawful possession and manufacture of marijuana.

McArthur said there were also building code violations and water use violations that are being addressed by other agencies.