The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reports the results of the latest marijuana eradication effort with over 170 plants seized, the dismantling of a methamphetamine lab and a arrest of a Chipley man.

Over the last several days, Washington County Sheriff’s Office has conducted a focused early season marijuana eradication effort. During the effort that spanned several areas, a grow site was detected on the property at 1710 Hwy 79. During undercover surveillance, investigators and deputies witnessed a subject enter the grow site and spend a considerable amount of time working on the marijuana plants. The subject was taken into custody and after a search of the area, several additional marijuana plants, for a total of 60, were found on the property.

Additional interviews led to the search of the subject’s residence and outside barn area where investigators discovered narcotics, narcotic equipment and a methamphetamine lab that was in active production.

Arrested and charged was:

Michael A Hewett, 31 year old white male of 1710 Hwy 79
· Cultivation of Marijuana
· Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamines)
· Possession of Listed Chemicals
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Sheriff Haddock ask that anyone with information on illegal drug activity contact us at 638-TIPS (8477) or by email at tips@wcso.us.