BC-VT–Moose-Marijuana,235

Dead moose leads to drug bust

awacr

BURKE, Vt. (AP) – A Fish and Wildlife employee transporting a dead moose onto state-owned property in the middle of the night said he happened upon two men planting marijuana on the department’s land.

Court documents said Chad Larrabee, 21, of Newark, and Miles Manikian, 21, of East Burke had a truck filled with potting soil, and there was dirt all over their hands.

The two haven’t been charged with anything.

According to court documents, Sgt. David Gregory of the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife transported the moose, which had been hit by a vehicle, to state-owned land in Victory just after midnight Sunday.

Gregory discovered about 20 fresh holes in the area, and through a license plate check connected the pickup truck to an individual known for marijuana cultivation, according to the documents.

William Coleman, 46, of Newark, owns the truck, according to an affidavit filed by state Police Cpt. Gorden E. Lambert. Coleman is in jail in New Hampshire for convictions involving possession and attempted distribution of marijuana.

Police searched homes in Burke and Newark and three vehicles Monday. They said they seized 145 marijuana plants, about one pound of processed marijuana, a large amount of paraphernalia, grow light equipment, computers and cash.

State police said they are still investigating.

AP-ES-05-27-04 2050EDT