Concord – Using upscale, mostly suburban "McMansions" as a front, a drug ring converted the pricey properties into marijuana labs where more than 6,000 plants, worth about $24 million on the street, were seized by police in coordinated raids yesterday.
Ten houses, from Derry to Andover — most costing between $300,000 and $400,000 each — were confiscated and six people were taken into custody during "Operation Green Thumb," the name given the multi-agency probe launched after investigators stumbled upon two similar pot-growing operations in Hooksett and Epsom this fall.
State Attorney General Kelly A. Ayotte said the joint federal, state and local law enforcement effort disrupted "what has to be the largest seizure of marijuana in this state’s history."
I know, I know. Who cares? But I grew up there, and it’s a small state. So I expect (somewhat foolishly) to see names that I remember from childhood show up in stories like these. But sadly…
Six individuals were taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned in U.S. District Court in Concord today, said Thomas P. Colantuono, U.S. Attorney for New Hampshire.
Their names and charges against them were not available yesterday, Colantuono said, noting investigators still were collecting evidence and preparing complaints during yesterday’s mid-afternoon press conference.
Oh, well.