Police Chief calls 117 marijuana plant bust 'surprising'

LAKE WACCAMAW, NC (WECT) – A man charged with growing 117 marijuana plants in the house he was renting was out of jail Saturday, after posting his bond.

Deputies said they found 117 marijuana plants in the home at 2456 Bella Coola Road. Chief Scott Hyatt, of the Waccamaw Police Department says that is a quiet neighborhood and there usually is not a lot of police activity.

"We have very little police activity on that road other than the occasional speeding complaint," said Hyatt. "We have very few calls." Chief Hyatt says he was surprised to find the large number of plants. He said it was the largest marijuana growing operation in Lake Waccamaw's history.

Sheriff Batton said information from several sources led them to the home. The bust was made when officers executed a search warrant at the house.

Officers arrested Gordon Benett Kennedy and charged him with manufacturing marijuana and possession with intent to sell or distribute marijuana. Batten reports that Kennedy had weed growing in two separate rooms. One room was also allegedly used for drying and packaging the drugs.

Lydia Walters, who lived in the home, was cited for possession of a schedule ll controlled substance.

While some may say marijuana busts are a waste of resources, Chief Hyatt says they take all crimes seriously.

"We act on any tips we get," said Hyatt.  "If it's marijuana we act on it, if its crack or cocaine we act on it, if it's pills we act on it, large or small we are going to do our best to enforce our drug laws."

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