Police: Suspect Search Yields Marijuana Grow Bust
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During the search for a vehicular homicide suspect, deputies from the Madison County Sheriff‘s Office discovered an apparent marijuana grow operation in the south part of the county. According to a news release from Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics, deputies went to 289 Diamond Grove Road, Wednesday, and requested permission from the residents to search for the suspect. The residents said the suspect was not in the residence and granted permission for deputies to search the premises. While the suspect was not found at that location, deputies reported they did find an indoor marijuana grow at the residence. Investigators from the Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit were contacted and a search warrant was obtained for the property. During the search of the residence, officers reportedly found 234 marijuana plants, over one half ounce of processed marijuana, two loaded firearms, ultraviolet lights, light reflectors and other equipment used to manufacture marijuana in an indoor environment. The plants and equipment were seized by officers and two residents were arrested. Jason Anthony Phillips, 35, and Thang Huu Nguyen, 39, both of 289 Diamond Grove Road in the Beech Bluff community, are charged with manufacture of marijuana more than 100 plants, possession of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a firearm in commission of a dangerous felony. The pair is being held at the Madison County Criminal Justice Complex and will be arraigned in Madison County General Sessions Court. Police said the minimum yield of the number of plants seized from this location has an estimated street value over $83,500. Several items of value believed to have been the proceeds of drug sales and $876 in U.S. Currency were seized under the civil forfeiture laws of the Tennessee Drug Control Act. Anyone with additional information about this case or any other drug activity can call the Jackson Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit at 731-424-6485 or CrimeStoppers at 731-424-8477.
