NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL 
June 16, 2009       
Vol. 39, No. 268

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.

Two Dover Men Arrested June 15 in Connection with Marijuana Operation

DNREC Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Agents have cracked the case on a large marijuana operation in Kent County, resulting in two arrests and confiscation of more than 350 live plants plus seeds, packaged marijuana, drug paraphernalia and guns.

Agents working in the Woodland Beach Wildlife Area yesterday afternoon observed suspicious activity, contacted a suspect and summoned Fish and Wildlife’s K-9 Unit. By tracking the suspect’s movements in the area, K-9 Warden led agents to 137 marijuana plants weighing 833 grams that the suspect was allegedly planting on the property.

With the suspect in custody, Fish and Wildlife Agents contacted the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Drug Unit, which had an active investigation into the suspect’s alleged marijuana operation.  Agents then joined Governor’s Task Force members to assist State Police with the execution of a search warrant at the suspect’s Dover home. Evidence located and seized included: 222 marijuana plants weighing 591 grams, packaged marijuana weighing 162.3 grams, plastic bags of seeds, packaging material, digital scales, smoking devices, soil and fertilizer, plus a 9 mm Ruger handgun, three rifles and two shotguns. 

Gary Paulson, age 54, of 292 Stardust Drive, Dover, was arrested in connection with the Woodland Beach incident by Fish and Wildlife Agents and charged with manufacturing marijuana, maintaining a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance within 300 feet of a recreation area, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

As a result of the search warrant, Paulson faces additional charges of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession with the intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a dwelling and second degree conspiracy, plus a second count each of manufacturing marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Paulson was committed to the Delaware Correctional Center in Smyrna in lieu of $18,000 bond.

Eli E. Yoder, age 19, also of 292 Stardust Drive, Dover, was arrested at the residence during the search and 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. Yoder was released on unsecured bond. A third suspect in the case is being sought.

For more information, contact Sgt. Gregory Rhodes, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement, at 302-542-6102 or 302-739-9913.