The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:20 PM

Blount County Arrested For Blount County Marijuana Distribution Operation

ALCOA, Tenn. (WATE) - Two people were arrested and a third cited in Blount County after deputies say an investigation uncovered an alleged marijuana distribution operation.

The Blount County Sheriff's Office says Michael Wesley George, 34, and Robert Jerome Albrecht, 44, both of Alcoa, were each charged with possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance (marijuana) for resale. George was also charged with maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold.

Jordan Christopher Patrick, 25, was cited for simple possession. A fourth person present at the time was not charged or cited.

Deputies say Monday evening, the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service served a search warrant at George's home in Alcoa. Investigators met with four people, two of whom live in the house.

Investigators seized around 47 pounds of marijuana, six guns, more than $8,500 in cash, two vehicles and a bill counting machine. No one resisted and there were no injuries.

“The Blount County Sheriff’s Office is continually working to keep illegal drugs out of Blount County,” said Sheriff James Berrong. “Marijuana is illegal in Tennessee, and it is our duty as a law enforcement agency to enforce those laws and to prevent the influx of marijuana into our community from states where it is legal. A majority of the crime in our county can be attributed to substance abuse, from property crimes such as thefts and burglaries, to the more violent crimes like assaults and even homicides. We will continue to remain pro-active to protect our citizens.”