Polk Drug Task Force bust marijuana growing operation

Two marijuana growing fields in Polk County have been shut down and two people arrested by members of the Polk County Drug Task Force.

Ralph Smith, deputy commander of the Polk County Drug Task Force said that the fields were located off Highway 100 near Lime Springs Church and another near Highway 100 and Friendship Road.

An anonymous tip several months back sparked the investigation and began a long term surveillance operation to determine the scope of the growing operation and who was involved.

Both locations were raided on Friday, July 15 and 140 plants were seized, worth an estimated $140,000, according to Smith.

Police arrested 57-year-old Randy Van Early of 545 West John Hand Road, Cedartown on six counts of purchase possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of marijuana.

Also, 67-year-old Carl Wayne Forsyth of 4170 Treat Mountain Road, Cedartown was jailed on three counts of purchase possession, manufacture, distribution or sale of marijuana.

Smith added that a third suspect is also being sought in connection with the case.