East Orange Police Make Record-Breaking Pot Bust

EAST ORANGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — East Orange police say they have made a record-breaking marijuana bust.

Officials said Monday the massive marijuana operation was one of the largest in Essex County history.

"The East Orange Police Department recovered 1,470 marijuana plants in a four-door garage in a single-family home not far from Soverel Park off of Springdale Avenue," Mayor Lester Taylor said. "Authorities believe this pot-production facility had an estimated street value of almost $3 million."

Officials said it was a community tip that led them to the marijuana, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.

"This was a high-tech, high-level marijuana-growing operation, the size of which I have not seen in my over 25 years in law enforcement," Public Safety Director Sheilah Coley said in a statement. "Grow houses like these often go unnoticed, even by next-door neighbors."

Police said 37-year-old homeowner Sherline Dare has been arrested on multiple drug charges including possession of over 50 marijuana plants, distribution within 1,000 feet of a school, conspiracy and other charges.

A warrant has also been issued for her husband, 41-year-old Densley Lawrence, for the same charges, police said. He remains at large.

"I walk my dog past that street almost every morning, so as a father, as a husband, as a mayor, as a citizen, I'm very concerned about large and small drug operations in this community," Taylor said.

Another suspect, 56-year-old Gregory Rutty, was also arrested and charged with possession of controlled substance under 50 grams after authorities said marijuana and $1,736 in cash was found in his truck parked on the street in front of the home.

"So this drug bust signifies the fact that if you commit crime in the City of East Orange, you will be apprehended and you will face justice," Taylor said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the EOPD Tips Hotline at 973-266-5041.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)