Three men were arrested Wednesday night in connection with a small-scale marijuana growing operation discovered in a home in northwest Redmond after complaints from neighbors prompted an investigation, authorities reported. Police also seized a quantity of MDMA, commonly known as Ecstacy, from the home.

(left to right) Casey J. Tipton, Shane Murray Fitton, and John Herbert Bluhm (DCJ photos)

Acting on tips from residents in the area, Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) detectives opened an investigation into possible illegal drug activity at 2223 NW Poplar Place in Redmond, Bend Police Lt. John Gautney stated in a news release.

Detectives requested and received a search warrant for the home, and at 9:30 p.m., November 28, in a coordinated effort the drug agents simultaneously arrested two men in different locations and began searching the home where the third suspect was taken into custody. 

Casey J. Tipton, 21, was arrested as he left work at a business in south Bend, the lieutenant said, while Shane Murray Fitton, 20, was taken into custody during a traffic stop at NW 19^th Street and W. Antler Avenue in Redmond – about 1.5 miles from the home.  John Herbert Bluhm, 25, was arrested at the residence during the raid.

Detectives discovered what Gautney described as a “small-scale” marijuana growing operation with six plants, about 1.5 ounces of marijuana packaged for sale, digital scales and packaging materials, and a small amount of MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as “Ecstacy”).  “The operation was being prepared to move into a larger scale operation because of the new construction that had been done in the garage area of the home,” Gautney stated.

All three men were lodged in the Deschutes County Jail.

Tipton was charged with possession, manufacture and delivery of both marijuana and MDMA; while Fitton will face charges of possession, manufacture and delivery of MDMA, Gautney said.  Bluhm was charged with possession, manufacture and delivery of marijuana; and all three men were charged with frequenting a place where controlled substances are kept or sold.