CLERMONT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
A.J. Rodenberg, Jr., Sheriff
"Leadership By Example"
Press Release
To: All Media
From: A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg, Clermont County Sheriff
Subject: Clermont County Marijuana Eradication Increases Significantly
Date: August 18, 2008
Clermont County Ohio- “On August 14, 2008 the Clermont County Narcotics Unit, began a two-day air and ground effort to eradicate growing marijuana plants prior to the harvest season. During this operation, law enforcement used a variety of resources to search open areas for plants, which are approximately two-thirds through their growing season. The plants found range from four to eight feet in height, and if full-grown and healthy would have had an approximate value of $1,000 each. The high yield this year is a result of very favorable weather during the growing season,” said Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg.
Helicopters and all-terrain vehicles were used in the operation. Chief Deputy Rick W. Combs said, “County-wide a total of 1523 plants were seized: 553 in Washington Township, 11 in Batavia Township, 85 in Monroe Township, 175 in Franklin Township, and 699 in Tate Township. This year’s eradication operation, has yielded significantly more plants than in recent years. In 2007, we seized 343 plants, 125 plants in 2006, and 195 plants in 2005. The investigation continues with the objective of attempting to identify those responsible for the cultivation.”
The Narcotics Unit will continue to search Clermont County for growing marijuana and asks the public to call their office at (513) 625-2806 or the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office at (513) 732-7500 to report any suspected marijuana cultivation or distribution.
Agents of Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (B.C.I. & I.) supported by the Butler County Sheriff’s helicopter assisted with the eradication operation. The Clermont County Narcotics Unit is under the direction and management of the Clermont County Sheriff and consists of officers from Union, Miami, and Pierce Townships, the Milford Police Department, and the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office. Funding for the operation is provided by a grant from the State of Ohio to eradicate marijuana from local communities.