Photo by Brian C. Louwers Marijuana, weapons, and packaging materials were displayed for reporters at a press conference on June 27 where police officials announced a major narcotics bust.

By Brian C. Louwers
C & G Staff Writer

WARREN — Marijuana, weapons and two suspects were in Warren police custody on June 26 after what officials called another major narcotics bust linked to the city’s recent crackdown on drugs.

A raid conducted in the 11000 block of Irene on June 26 by officers assigned to the department’s Special Investigations Division yielded approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, two handguns, a pistol-grip shotgun, cash, and narcotics packaging materials, police officials said last week.

Two suspects, Kenneth Terrell Woods, 35, and Lasonia Katrice Woods, 34, were in custody on bonds of $50,000 and $30,000 respectively following their arraignments in the 37th District Court on a list of charges, including possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, conspiracy to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug house. Both suspects also face felony weapons charges.

“Obviously the problem of drugs is not unique to Warren. It’s a problem throughout the area in other cities,” Mayor Jim Fouts said, flanked by Warren police officials at a press conference inside of Warren Police Headquarters on June 27 where the bust was announced. “I hope he message goes out to all would-be pushers and drug users.  You’re not welcome in the city of Warren.”

Police commissioner Bill Dwyer said in recent weeks, Warren SID officers had conducted 16 raids citywide, making more than 100 arrests and seizing sizable quantities of narcotics.

Dwyer said raids are already up 300 percent over the same period in 2007. That effort would continue and grow in scale, he said.

“The message is out there. We’re not going to tolerate it,” Dwyer said. “No one wants to live next to a drug house. If you have kids, you know what I mean. Last night was a perfect example of what we’re doing in Warren. We’ll act very quickly.”

The marijuana seized in the raid on June 26 had an estimated street value of roughly $50,000, depending on how it was packaged for sale. Police also seized about $3,500 in cash.

Police officials asked anyone with information about suspected narcotics activity to call their established tip line at (586) 574-GUTS. They said all calls would remain anonymous and the information given would remain confidential.

You can reach Staff Writer Brian C. Louwers at brianlouwers@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1089.