Most of the marijuana, 39 pounds, was found in a 43-year-old suspect's home in Hudson.
By ALEX LEARY
Published February 7, 2004
With help from confidential informants, Pasco authorities on Friday arrested three men and confiscated 47 pounds of marijuana, most of which was found in a home in Hudson.
Arrested were Kenneth E. Ford, 43, of 10991 Echo Loop, Hudson; Jimmy E. Hill, 60, of 7744 Calabash Lane, New Port Richey; and Jacob W. Hollingsworth, 45, of 5513 Madison St., New Port Richey. They were being held Friday evening in the county jail.
Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Doll said the men knew each other and were arrested after a monthslong investigation that included help from New Port Richey police.
Doll did not know the street value of the drugs. However, Lt. Bobby Sullivan of the sheriff's vice and narcotics unit estimated Friday night that this marijuana has a street value of $900 a pound.
Sullivan was asked if taking this amount of marijuana off the street would affect the county's drug trade.
"Not even close," he said. "It might put a ripple in west Pasco for a couple of days. That's it."
The bulk of the marijuana was found at Ford's home on Friday. Authorities entered the home by way of a search warrant and discovered 39 pounds of the drug in a bedroom and bathroom.
Ford has been charged with trafficking in marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces charges of trafficking and possession of methamphetamine.
A search warrant was also obtained for Hollingsworth's home, where detectives on Friday said they found 4.52 pounds of marijuana packaged in numerous bags. He was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Approximately 2 pounds of marijuana also was found at Hill's home. He faces several charges, including sale of marijuana, sale of crack cocaine and possession of paraphernalia.
