Marijuana seized

Domestic call leads to major drug bust

  • MNJ photo/Mariel Williams. The dried marijuana products on this table added up to approximately 23 pounds and $70,000. Some of the bags came labeled with the names of specific varieties, such as “Trailer Trash” or “Apple Pie.”
    MNJ photo/Mariel Williams. The dried marijuana products on this table added up to approximately 23 pounds and $70,000. Some of the bags came labeled with the names of specific varieties, such as “Trailer Trash” or “Apple Pie.”
    Mariel Williams
    editor@mitchellnews.com

    The Mitchell County Sheriff’s Office unexpectedly seized approximately $70,000 worth of marijuana after responding to a domestic violence report last week. Narcotics investigator John Masters said that Jason Hollifield, 59, was arrested around 1 p.m. Aug. 20 after officers responded to a domestic dispute.

    The arrest occurred at Hollifield’s residence, 311 Bee Branch Road in Bakersville. Hollifield was not being investigated for drug use or distribution at that time.

    “He wasn’t even a blip on our radar,” Masters said. “[It was] just the luck of the draw.”

    Det. Ashley Beam said Hollifield is being charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell and distribute a Schedule VI controlled substance (a felony); maintaining a dwelling for the sale of a controlled substance (also a felony); and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

    “We’ve got a tax warrant on it for just under $50 [thousand],” Masters said. “The state taxes the person who had this for possession.”

    Masters said that a third party called 911 reporting a domestic dispute between Hollifield and his girlfriend, leading to the marijuana discovery.

    One living marijuana plant was included in the bust, but the bulk of the dried marijuana appeared to have been imported from out of state, Masters said.

    “This has all been brought in — probably from California or Colorado,” he said.

    It is legal for adults in California and Colorado to possess and consume marijuana.

    “This is probably the largest seizure we’ve had of dried marijuana in Mitchell County,” Masters said.

    Neither Hollifield nor the reported victim wanted to pursue domestic assault charges.