Chopper crew finds 3 pot fields in busts in Oklahoma and Lincoln counties

By Michael Kimball
Published: August 18, 2008

An Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control helicopter crew discovered three marijuana fields Friday, one near Interstate 35 and E Memorial Road and two in rural Lincoln County, bureau spokesman Mark Woodward said.

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A spotter on the chopper discovered about 490 plants in the Edmond field, Woodward said.

The marijuana appeared to be growing wild, but the helicopter destroyed the plants from the air with a chemical spray.

Authorities arrested David Ray Price, 47, in connection with 50 marijuana plants spotted by the helicopter two hours later, Woodward said. The plants were about 200 yards from his trailer near Tryon and had a sophisticated irrigation system.

Officials also seized 20 rifles and 10 handguns from Price's home, Woodward said.

Price was booked into the Lincoln County jail on complaints of cultivating marijuana and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.

Bail had not been set Sunday.

The second Lincoln County field was found about 10 miles east of Price's trailer home, Woodward said.

That field contained 116 plants and an irrigation system.

The finds were part of a summer-long program using helicopters and trained spotters to locate marijuana fields, Woodward said.

Authorities have destroyed more than 10,000 cultivated marijuana plants and seized 65 weapons, making 15 arrests so far.

Lawton police seize big stash
In an unrelated case, Lawton police seized almost 150 pounds of pot Friday, according to an Associated Press report.

During a traffic stop, officers found about 90 pounds of marijuana in two vehicles, police Lt. Todd Palmer said.

After interviewing the suspects, police conducted a search on an eastside Lawton home and found more marijuana, cash and weapons.

In all, police seized 149 pounds of marijuana, $37,000 in cash, three vehicles, a firearm, two flat-screen televisions and a large digital scale, Palmer said.

The number of people arrested and their identities were not available Sunday.


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Related Topics: Illegal Drugs, Marijuana


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Yet more resources wasted on a "war" that most citizens no longer support. Exactly how many Oklahomans rot in prison for possession of a plant? Too damn many. Oh, don't even get me started about them charging someone for having legal firearms in their home! I love my country, but fear the hell out of my government.
Bryan, Oklahoma City - Aug 24, 2008 1:07 AM
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Pot is as popular as cigarettes! lol I live in Lincoln County and smell it all the time~ Good job chopper crew!
Michael, Harrah - Aug 19, 2008 11:50 AM
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Good points, Phil.
Concerned, Central Oklahoma - Aug 18, 2008 10:14 AM
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It is laughable that people like Cooter actually think that (some) drugs or even alcohol and tobacco can be controlled by an inept and corrupt political system that depends on use and even abuse for much of its income.
The war on marijuana is the same as the war on tobacco: false stats and "studies", rumor and outright lies. Remember seeing "Reefer Madness"? It is similar to the same crap being touted about tobacco today and just as incorrect... but y'all go on believing it. They system depends on your gullibility.
Phil, Yukon - Aug 18, 2008 7:54 AM
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...for heavens' sake...it is just a plant...
Randy, checotah - Aug 18, 2008 6:04 AM
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Yet Nicotine, which is as addictive as heroin, and alcohol, which kills more people than all other drugs combined, is still legal. This country is dumb as hell.
Cooter, Cooterville - Aug 18, 2008 1:49 AM
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