Officers with the DeFuniak Springs Police were called by the management to Oakdale Garden Apartments at approximately 9:30 AM this morning in reference to suspected drug activity. Officers responded to apartment A8 and made contact with the residents. The investigation revealed approximately 15 marijuana plants had been being grown inside the apartment. The occupants had tried to get rid of the plants before Officers arrived by putting them in bags and throwing them in the dumpster. Video footage shows one of the suspects disposing of the plants. A search of the apartment revealed scales, a grow light, grinders, a hookah pipe, and other paraphernalia. Approximately 30 grams of marijuana was also discovered inside the rooms. A newborn baby was also found to be living in a separate room with its mother. The mother of the infant denied knowing about the drugs.
Video footage and by his own admission showed that 22 year old Raymond Jackson of Arlington, GA was growing marijuana in the apartment. He was arrested and charged with Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. A second suspect, 21 year old Marquis Yelverton of Laurel Hill, was arrested and charged with Possession of Less than 20 granms of Marijuana. Both subjects were booked into the Walton County Jail.
“It is troubling that drugs are being produced in DeFuniak Springs and especially in this case, where a newborn baby was present during some of the drug activity. We have zero tolerance for drugs being made or sold in our community and will continue to seek out and arrest those who deal in drugs, said Chief Mark Weeks. Additional charges are pending.