Copiah County deputies seize large marijuana grow; Drug Court participant sentenced

Special to Wesson News

(Photo courtesy of Copiah County Sheriff's Office Facebook)

A Copiah County Drug Court participant has been sentenced to prison after authorities discovered an indoor and outdoor marijuana growing operation during the execution of a search warrant, according to the Copiah County Sheriff's Office.

The Copiah County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant July 23 at 1032 Thornton Lane in Crystal Springs. During the search, investigators located what officials described as a large indoor marijuana growing operation, along with an outdoor marijuana grow on the property.

Authorities arrested Michael Whittington and charged him with manufacturing marijuana. He was booked into the Copiah County Jail.

According to the sheriff's office, Whittington was participating in the Copiah County Drug Court Program at the time of his arrest. He appeared in court July 27 for Drug Court violations and was sentenced to 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

Officials said all evidence collected during the investigation has been submitted to the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory for analysis. Once laboratory testing is complete, the manufacturing case will be presented to the Copiah County Grand Jury for further consideration.

The sheriff's office also announced that the Copiah County Narcotics Unit has recently prepared more than 30 felony cases that are expected to be presented to the grand jury in the near future.

Officials noted that several individuals connected to those cases may not yet be aware charges have been filed. If indictments are returned by the grand jury, those individuals could face arrest.

The Copiah County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information about illegal drug activity to contact its Narcotics Division.