STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Four Bowling Green residents are facing felony charges after authorities said they uncovered an illegal marijuana vape manufacturing operation being run out of a residential garage.
The Bowling Green–Warren County Drug Task Force said in a press release that the arrests followed an eight-week investigation and surveillance effort, conducted with help from the Kentucky State Police Interdiction Team.
Investigators said they focused on a residence at 1407 Calgary Way in northern Warren County. According to the release, detectives developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the home.
When officers arrived to serve the warrant, the occupants refused to open the door, and law enforcement made a forcible entry into the residence. Once inside, authorities said the occupants did not resist and were taken into custody.
Those arrested were identified as 24-year-old Javon E. Mitchell, 27-year-old Dayshawn M. Mitchell, 24-year-old Savyon O. Howard and 56-year-old George D. Murray, all of Bowling Green. Javon Mitchell and Dayshawn Mitchell are former Glasgow residents.
All four are charged with trafficking in marijuana over 5 pounds, a Class C felony with a gun enhancement, and engaging in organized crime, according to the task force.
Investigators said they discovered a clandestine marijuana vape manufacturing setup inside the home’s garage.
Authorities reported finding marijuana vape products and evidence that the items were being manufactured and processed in what they described as unsanitary and non-sterile conditions.
Officials said those conditions were not suitable for producing any type of consumer product.
During the search, investigators said they seized 2,146 allegedly illegally manufactured marijuana vape products and hundreds of commercial-appearing packaging boxes for the vapes.
They also reported recovering more than two gallons of liquid marijuana extract, which investigators estimate to be the equivalent of about 10 pounds of marijuana.
In addition, authorities said they found 48 oxycodone tablets, two handguns, one shotgun and $3,489 in cash.
A 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was also seized in connection with the investigation, according to the release.
The task force said this is the first marijuana vape manufacturing operation of this type that it has encountered in its 29-year history.
Investigators expressed concern about the potential impact of illegally manufactured marijuana vape products on high school students and young adults, who officials say are frequently targeted by illicit vape and marijuana product distribution.
All four accused individuals were lodged in the Warren County Regional Jail.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
Key Facts
– Four Bowling Green residents were arrested after an eight-week drug task force investigation
– Authorities say an illegal marijuana vape manufacturing operation was found in a residential garage
– The operation was allegedly run in unsanitary, non-sterile conditions
– 2,146 marijuana vape products and more than two gallons of marijuana extract were seized, officials said
– All four are charged with trafficking in marijuana over 5 pounds, with a gun enhancement, and engaging in organized crime
– Investigators seized oxycodone tablets, firearms, cash and a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
– Officials say it is the first marijuana vape operation of its type seen by the task force in 29 years
– The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges are possible
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