Local bust nabs nearly 20,000 pot plants

Two people are awaiting a preliminary hearing after being arrested in a drug bust in North Fork.

According to Madera County Superior Court records, Mary Grillett, 37, and Jack Collier, 60, are due to appear today in court to prepare for a preliminary hearing on their case. Their arraignment was held on Aug. 30.

Grillett and Collier were arrested by detectives and deputies with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office after a raid was conducted on their residence in the 58000 block of Road 225 in North Fork on the morning of Aug. 26.

At the residence, detectives reportedly found more than 18,000 marijuana plants being cultivated. According to Madera County Sheriff’s Cmdr. Bill Ward, weapons were also found in the search. “Four rifles were found in the residence,” Ward said.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office received further assistance from the U.S. Forest Service law enforcement, and by code enforcement, said Ward.

Grillett and Collier are both being held in lieu of $150,000 bonds.