Two men charged in marijuana operation at Big Muddy Federal Wildlife Area
Federal authorities are investigating a marijuana growing operation at a federal wildlife refuge area in Howard County.
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office said they received information from an off-duty university police officer Monday night about marijuana plants being grown on the Big Muddy Federal Wildlife Area on County Road 317.
Sheriff Mike Neal said deputies, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Missouri Department of Conservation and East Central Drug Force found the large drug operation Tuesday afternoon. He said it was located about one mile into the woods.
Authorities arrested Carlos Vazguez, 26, and Rigaberto Reyes, 23, were arrested at the scene. According to a criminal complaint, both men were carrying marijuana plants when authorities found them.
Court documents said authorities found at least 500 marijuana plants, growing 5 to 6 feet tall in the 5-acre grow operation site. The site included multiple tents where the plants were dried, packaged and processed for delivery.
Investigators said the men designed a water system to run through the grow operation and also had a large amount of fertilizer on hand and other chemicals used to grow marijuana.
Vazguez and Reyes were both charged in federal court Wednesday for possession of 100 or more marijuana plants with intent to distribute. Right now, they’re in custody with the U.S. Marshal.
