AZDPS Detectives Bust Marijuana Growing Operation in Northern Arizona

Northwestern Ariz —Following a four-week long investigation, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) detectives have arrested seven people in connection with two illegal marijuana cultivation operations. The Mohave County Criminal Targeting Unit (MCCTU) coordinated residential search warrants on two properties in Yavapai County and seized a large amount of marijuana and other evidence.

      Evidence seized included:

• 791 pounds of cultivated (raw) marijuana

• 67 marijuana plants

• 180 grams of THC wax

• 107 grams of LSD (hallucinogenic drug)

• 1 gram of hallucinogenic mushrooms

• 16 pills (unknown type)

• Four firearms 

• Over $4,300.00 in US currency

Seven people were arrested in the course of the investigation and face numerous charges. Those charges include: possession of marijuana for sale, production of marijuana for sale, possession of narcotics, production of narcotic drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and fraudulent schemes. The suspects have been identified as:

• Keith Arnold Hogave 39, Fort Mohave, AZ

• Wiley David King 71, Quartzsite, AZ

• Tessa Rose Stover Blovin 26, Quartzsite, AZ

• David John Venus 58, Fort Mohave, AZ

• Vanessa Rose Bennett 39, Seligman, AZ

• Mitchell Ray Kirkley 48, Seligman, AZ

This investigation was conducted in coordination with the Department's Mohave County Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), Coconino County GIITEM, Hazardous Materials Unit, Intelligence Bureau and the Aviation Unit's Western Air Rescue.

“Making communities in northern and western Arizona safer starts with dismantling drug operations like this one. Taking these suspects off the streets and depriving them of their illegal livelihood will hopefully send a strong message to others,” said Colonel Frank Milstead, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.