Pocono News Section

Carbondale Drug Busts

Carbondale Drug Busts - Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 4:14PM EST

Reported by: David DeCosmo
Thursday, Sep 13, 2007 @04:14pm EST

CARBONDALE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Three men are facing a string of drug charges after a police raid in Lackawanna County Wednesday night. Investigators said they seized a large amount of marijuana and thousands of dollars in cash. The drugs, cash, and cell phones spread out on a conference room table are the fruits of a 7-month undercover investigation into the dealing of marijuana in and around Lackawanna County. The investigation also resulted in several arrests. 44-year-old Michael Brown faces numerous drug charges including possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver. 69-year-old Francis Turano is charged with unlawful delivery of marijuana and conspiracy. Both men are from the Carbondale area. Lackawanna County District Attorney Andy Jarbola said the investigation began with information from a confidential informant. That then lead to the raid of an area garage and then to these arrests. "The items seized are approximately 4 pounds of marijuana and approximately $11,000 in cash. The marijuana's probably street value is a little bit more than $15,000" declared D.A. Jarbola. Investigators found bags of marijuana stashed in cars at Brown's auto dealership. Chief Detective Joseph Jordan explained what the cars were used for. “We're looking at the fact that he was possibly using the vehicles to transport it from one location back to his home; or to his business. When we conducted the search warrant and when it was executed at his home the marijuana was found in I believe 7 vehicles that were on his property. He had stored it in the trunks." In an unrelated case, the D.A. announced the arrest of 35-year-old Eugene Cain from Carbondale on heroin charges. He's charged with unlawful possession and delivery District Attorney Jarbola said the investigation from the marijuana raid is continuing.