By Amy Sienicki
 
November 10, 2009
 
NEAR ASHLAND, Ore. - Six people are facing charges after a traffic stop led police to a large outdoor marijuana grow in Southern Oregon.
 
220 pounds of marijuana, 12 firearms, ballistic vests, ammunition, and thousands of dollars in cash are now in police custody.
 
The investigation started last week when police stopped a car going northbound on Interstate-5 near Ashland for a traffic violation. The driver later confessed he was on his way to buy three pounds of weed in Williams. The suspects are registered medical marijuana growers. However, according to police, they had about 13 times the legal amount.
 
41 year-old Darren Applegate and 41-year-old Laurel Applegate are both lodged in the Josephine County Jail on multiple charges. They will appear in Josephine County Circuit Court.
 
Four others were also arrested related to this bust.
 
Under Oregon law, the suspects could have legally possessed about 16 pounds of processed pot. They could also be reimbursed for their utility costs. However, they cannot sell medical marijuana for street value. According to police, the driver had more than $9,000 in cash that he intended to buy marijuana with.