Estimated $900,000 marijuana grow-op found in Wenden

After executing a search warrant, Sheriff’s detectives have found an “elaborate illegal indoor [marijuana] cultivation operation” within a building in Wenden, AZ. One arrest was made and the operation was disassembled.

The investigation began Tuesday when the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force received a tip regarding ‘suspicious activity’ at and around a residence in Wenden. When the detectives responded to the location to speak with the owners or occupants, they were met by an uncooperative subject who they say would not provide any information regarding the activity at the home.

Further investigation led the detectives to believe that there may have been an ‘indoor growing operation’ within the home. After writing and executing a search warrant, Task Force detectives located what the Sheriff’s Office describes as a “very elaborate, illegal indoor cultivation operation” within the building.

They then collected and seized approximately 450 cannabis plants that were in various rooms, all in different stages of growth. It is estimated that each plant is expected to produce approximately $2,000 worth of product. Using that information as a baseline, this operation was expected to produce approximately $900,000 worth of marijuana.

The only occupant located at the home, Kerry Meemken, was arrested and booked into the La Paz County Detention Facility for multiple charges including production of marijuana. Meemken was remanded into custody on a $50,000 bond.

The La Paz County Task Force asked in a statement that the public please remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. “If you have information regarding any illegal activity please contact your local Law Enforcement Agency or you can call the Task Force directly at (928) 669-9645. You can also email information anonymously at lapazsheriff.org,” the statement reads.