GRANT COUNTY Police seized marijuana plants and grow equipment Tuesday in searches of two indoor grow operations at residences in Mt. Vernon and Canyon City.

    Three people face charges in connection with the searches. The action grew out of an investigation led by Oregon State Police (OSP) Trooper Tom Hutchison into unlawful manufacture, distribution and possession of marijuana.

    In addition to OSP, the John Day Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Baker County Drug Task Force and Grant County District Attorney’s Office were involved in the operation.

    According to OSP Master Sgt. Gordon Larson, the first warrant was served at the residence of Drew Erwin Harmer, 51, at 167 Ingle St., Mt. Vernon.  More than 65 marijuana plants and nearly 20 pounds of dried marijuana worth approximately $40,000 were seized, along with other evidence related to the manufacture and distribution of marijuana.

    Harmer was arrested and lodged on charges including unlawful possession, distribution and manufacture of marijuana.

    Police served a second search warrant at the Canyon City residence of John C. Denton, 67, and Johnny Joseph Lane, 58. Officers seized more than 60 marijuana plants in various stages of growth, along with equipment for growing and manufacturing marijuana.

    Lane was lodged in the Grant County Jail for unlawful possession, distribution and manufacture of Marijuana.  Denton was cited and released for unlawful manufacture of marijuana.

    The investigation is continuing into additional marijuana grows.