Detective says men had indoor pot operations

By Richelle Bailey | The McDowell News

Published: November 4, 2009

Authorities say they found two indoor marijuana growing operations within three days last week.
Acting on a Crimestoppers tip about a possible meth lab last Wednesday, investigators searched the property of Kevin Michael Hover Jr., 29, at 180 Falcon Crest Drive, off of Parker Padgett Road, in Old Fort.
Lt. Shanon Smith of the McDowell County Sheriff's Office said officers didn't find a meth lab, but did uncover 10 marijuana plants in an outbuilding, as well as materials used to grow them indoors.
Hover was charged with manufacturing marijuana.
A Marion man also faces a charge of manufacturing marijuana after detectives say they discovered an indoor growing operation in his house.
Smith said officers received information Saturday from the Morganton Department of Public Safety and the Burke County Department of Social Services about drugs in the 322 Burma Road West residence of Timothy Alan Buchanan, 22.
"We found a really sophisticated growing operation downstairs in the house," the lieutenant stated. "The plants had their own lighting and temperature systems. The equipment alone probably cost $2,500. … He had only been in operation about two weeks."
Smith added that authorities seized five plants from Buchanan's house.