INET bust yields 50 pounds of processed pot, 99 plants, guns

MOSES LAKE — Grant County’s Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team (INET) took down another illegal marijuana grower in Moses Lake last week.

INET reportedly started investigating 42-year-old Cesario Huerta, of Moses Lake, after a patrol deputy received a tip. INET served a search warrant last Wednesday in the 1600 block of North Frontage Road East and reportedly seized 99 marijuana plants, 50 pounds of processed marijuana, 10 guns and a gun silencer.

Huerta is facing charges of manufacturing marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Huerta allegedly claimed he previously considered becoming a licensed marijuana producer, but decided not to become one because of the start-up cost and “red tape.”

“This was another illegal marijuana grow operation, not a licensed operation as allowed in Washington,” Sheriff Tom Jones said. “INET did great job of stopping this illegal drug operation. INET has no interest in stopping the legal sale and use of marijuana, but if the marijuana is illegally grown, illegally sold or illegally possessed, INET’s job is to investigate and take action.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.