CLAYPOOL – Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department seized 646 marijuana plants Monday morning in what could be the largest marijuana grow operation in Kosciusko County history. An anonymous tip led KCSD Drug Task Force to 7895 W. CR 600S, Claypool, a small, rural farm located southwest of Burket. Officers met with the owner of the property, Christopher Paul Cords, 48, and he gave consent to deputies to search his barns and outbuildings. Deputies uncovered an elaborate indoor marijuana grow-operation that occupied several rooms inside the main barn. Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Section was called to assist in dismantling the marijuana growing equipment that included fans, heating elements, grow lighting and a sophisticated irrigation system. “The grow operation located this morning by Kosciusko County Drug Task Force deputies appears to be the largest in Kosciusko County history,” according to Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department Captain Aaron Rovenstine. “Kosciusko County Sheriff’s deputies and troopers have estimated that the total street value seized today would well surpass $200,000.” Cords is currently held in the Kosciusko County Jail on a $5,000 bond for preliminary charges of felony dealing in marijuana with intent to deal and felony possession of marijuana, growing, cultivating more than 30 grams. The Task Force also was assisted by the Kosciusko County Major Crimes Task Force and the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office.
