DRUG ARREST PENDING FOLLOWING SAM'S RUN RAID

(08/04/2005)
State Police have confirmed a drug raid in the remote Sam's Run area of Calhoun, which led to the confiscation of 102 marijuana plants.

Sgt. Darrin Campbell of the Grantsville detachment said charges are pending against Gary Allen Starcher, who is allegedly linked to the growing of the plants on his property.

State Police obtained a search warrant for the Starcher property near the Calhoun-Roane line on July 26th, according to court records.

The search warrant, issued on probable cause, implies the manufacture of marijuana on the Starcher property, and calls for the ability to search for the illegal drug and other items linked to its growing or use.

The warrant called for the right to search a multi-colored frame building, out buildings, vehicles and fields surrounding Starcher's residence.

The search was precipitated by a confidential informant who was at the Starcher residence, according to the court document.

The informant told authorities that they observed a number of plants growing in containers around the Starcher house and growing in a right-of-way near the dwelling.

The warrant said State Police from both Calhoun and Roane "received information that delivery of marijuana occurred on Sam's Run" and gave authorities information about other crimes.

The warrant said "Allen Starcher has made comments that law enforcement would not and could not catch him conducting illegal activities, because he would see them coming and shoot them."