TCHULA, Miss.–You could hear the buzz of the engine and feel the air beating the ground as a brand new blue and gray chopper flew low over Tchula, in Holmes County, Wednesday afternoon. About 3:30 that helicopter landed in a field where marijuana was being grown.
The Miss. Dept. of Public Safety hasn’t had the helicopter long. It came from the AirBus factory in Columbus last week. But Wednesday’s bust may be proof that the helicopter, along with a $50,000 federal grant for fuel and maintenance, may be worth the time and effort.
“We’ve had this helicopter eight days and it’s already proving its law enforcement value,” said Public Safety Commissioner Albert Santa Cruz. “It was the first time our pilots used the helicopter on an eradication mission and they got dope off the streets.”
In total, 11 pot plants were found. Miss. Bureau of Narcotics agents were in on the bust and they estimated the plants are worth about $11,000.
Taxpayers did not feel the impact of the $3.3 million the chopper cost. That’s because the department sold two older air vehicles to pay for it.
A news release from the Dept. of Public Safety did not say if anyone was arrested or if the MBN expected to make any arrests.
