Camp Nine man heads to court for 60 pot plants

A Bonners Ferry man waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Friday for allegedly having  60 marijuana plants  in a garage on Camp  Nine Road.

Luis Lorca Merono Jr., 44, remains in Boundary County jail on a $100,000 bond on charges of felony drug trafficking and possession.

Merono was arrested May 5 after Boundary County Sheriff Deputy Caleb Watts found 55, 3 1/2 -foot tall marijuana plants growing in the suspect’s  father’s garage, according to court records.    Another five plants were found outside drying in a bag.

Also found were venting and lighting systems known to assist in growing efforts, potting soil and numerous marijuana growing paraphernalia.

According to Chief Deputy Rich Stephens, the local drug task force worked on information regarding Merono for several weeks and an investigation gave officers enough evidence to search the home.

Merono moved into his  78-year-old father’s home in November.   According to court records, Merono’s father knew nothing about the marijuana growing operation.

Merono is scheduled for arraignment at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, at Boundary County Courthouse.