Sisters-area marijuana grow results in arrest

Thomas Allen Meyer, 47, was arrested at his home outside of Sisters on Wednesday, May 19, for possession and manufacture of a controlled substance, according to the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team.

According to CODE, local law enforcement was assisting the Internal Revenue Service in a search for financial records at Meyer's residence on Stardust Lane in Sisters.

During that search, a "hydroponic-style marijuana grow operation was discovered behind a false wall in a shop area," according to the press release. Authorities allegedly recovered 12 marijuana plants totaling 17 pounds and "several pounds of finished marijuana bud packaged in seven large ziplock bags."

According to CODE member Vance Lawrence, they were surprised to discover the grow operation.

Lawrence said that four CODE members assisted eight IRS agents. Despite the fact that CODE stands for "Central Oregon Drug Enforcement," Lawrence said that CODE provided the assistance without anticipating a drug bust.

"When the IRS went to the main house, CODE went to the barn. We cleared the main barn, then the woodshop. There was a panel partially off. We went there and discovered the grow operation," Lawrence said.

The 12 marijuana plants were 24 to 30 inches high, Lawrence said. He said they weighed 17 pounds becasue that weight included the root ball. Scales and packaging materials were also seized.

Meyer was lodged at the Deschutes County jail in lieu of $30,000 bail. According to jail authorities, Meyer was conditionally released on May 20, with a court date set for June 21.