NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL 
June 16, 2009       
Vol. 39, No. 270

For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, 302-739-9913 or 302-542-6102, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Third Man Arrested in Connection with Kent Marijuana Operation

A third suspect was arrested June 16 in connection with the Kent County marijuana case that DNREC Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents cracked one day earlier, when agents worked with Delaware State Police to arrest two men and confiscate more than 350 live marijuana plants.

“Our Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents are to be commended for their sharp thinking and quick actions, especially in using K-9 Warden’s specialized training as a tracker,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “This incident is also a great example of teamwork, and I am pleased and proud that our Fish and Wildlife agents were able to assist the Delaware State Police in cracking this important case.”

Fish and Wildlife Agents working in the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area yesterday afternoon stopped a suspect and called in K-9 Warden, who led agents to 137 marijuana plants allegedly planted by the suspect on the property. Agents then assisted the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Drug Unit in executing a search warrant late yesterday evening on the suspect’s home. Evidence located and seized included: 222 marijuana plants, packaged marijuana, plastic bags of seeds, packaging material, digital scales, smoking devices, soil, fertilizer and six guns.

Gary Paulson, age 54, and Eli Yoder, age 19, both of 292 Stardust Drive, Dover, were arrested in connection with the marijuana operation.

Delaware State Police today arrested Harvey Coblentz, age 19, also of 292 Stardust Drive, and charged him with manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a dwelling, second degree conspiracy, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond information was not immediately available.

Paulson was charged with manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance within 300 feet of a recreation area, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession with the intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling and second degree conspiracy. Paulson was committed to the Delaware Correctional Center in Smyrna in lieu of $18,000 bond. Yoder was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a dwelling, second degree conspiracy and possession of drug paraphernalia, and released on unsecured bond.