Investigation nets 850 marijuana plants, man arrested
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – A Fort Wayne man is facing several preliminary drug-related charges after a two month investigation, according to Indiana State Police.
39-year-old Juan Abel Navarrete-Garcia is facing three preliminary charges: cultivating marijuana, dealing marijuana, and maintaining a common nuisance.
ISP said a tip to the Allen County Drug Task Force in August started the investigation.
On Friday, police found Navarrete-Garcia in one of three plots he was using in southwest Allen County. ISP released a statement about the arrest Sunday evening, but did not disclose the address of where the marijuana plants were found.
Troopers arrested Navarrete-Garcia after a brief foot chase.
Police seized 850 marijuana plants with a street value of more than $500,000.
The Allen County Drug Task Force said despite numerous resources and multi-law enforcement cooperation the best help sometimes comes from the general public.
The investigation is ongoing.