POLICE WILL NOT CONFIRM DRUG RAID ON SAMS RUN

(08/03/2005)
A drug raid in the remote Sam's Run area of Calhoun has reportedly led to the confiscation of marijuana plants, although State Police in Grantsville has declined public information requests to validate the seizure.

State Police obtained a search warrant for the Allen Starcher property near the Calhoun-Roane line on July 26th, according to court records.

The search warrant, issued on probable cause, implies the manufacture of marijuana on the Starcher property, and calls for the ability to search for the illegal drug and other items linked to its growing or use.

Sources have reported that about 100 plants were confiscated, but State Police will not confirm.

The warrant called for the right to search a multi-colored frame building, out buildings, vehicles and fields surrounding Starcher's residence.

The search was precipitated by a confidential informant who was at the Starcher residence, according to the court document.

The informant told authorities that they observed a number of plants growing in containers around the Starcher house and growing in a right-of-way near the dwelling.

The warrant said State Police from both Calhoun and Roane "received information that delivery of marijuana occurred on Sam's Run" and gave authorities information about other crimes.

The warrant said "Allen Starcher has made comments that law enforcement would not and could not catch him conducting illegal activities, because he would see them coming and shoot them."

So far, no arrests have been reported linked to the raid.