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Stephen Wayne Cartwright
A SaddleBrooke man was arrested late last month after detectives serving a search warrant at his home located a large amount of marijuana growing inside.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Narcotic Task Force executed a narcotics search warrant in the 40000 block of E. Ballesta Rd, in the unincorporated area of SaddleBrooke, after receiving information that a man was selling high grade hydroponic marijuana from his residence. The tipster reported he had a massive high grade marijuana growing operation and was looking to sell high grade marijuana he already had packaged for sale.
The search warrant uncovered a highly sophisticated marijuana growing operation including 97 hydroponic and soil-based marijuana plants. Detectives also found 64.2 pounds of packaged marijuana ready for sale, dangerous drugs (psychedelic mushrooms) and drug paraphernalia.
The 97 marijuana plants were in various stages of growth.
“An average six foot tall plant can produce approximately one pound of usable marijuana,” said Sgt. Pat Ramirez, PCSO Public Information Officer. “These plants have a street value of $2,000 each. The high grade hydroponic marijuana has a street value of $2,000 a pound.”
Detectives, Ramirez explained, seized approximately $194,000 worth of marijuana plants and $128,400 worth of packaged marijuana. Detectives also seized $1760 in cash.
Stephen Wayne Cartwright, 62, was arrested and booked into the Pinal County Jail in Florence. He faces charges of possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, cultivation of marijuana, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Cartwright holds an Arizona medical marijuana card.
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