A drug raid in a northeast Bend home Tuesday afternoon turned up about 65 marijuana plants hidden behind false walls and monitored by a sophisticated video surveillance system, ultimately leading to the arrest of the resident.

About 65 marijuana plants were found in a hidden room protected by a sophisticated video surveillance system.  Inset:  Steven Michael Ebbensgarrd.  Photos provided by CODE, DCJ

36-year old Steven Michael Ebbensgarrd of 3238 NE Eddie Court was taken into custody and will face charges of possession, delivery and manufacture of a controlled substance.

According to a Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team news release, Ebbensgarrd had been under surveillance in and around Bend since detectives received creditable information during the last few weeks that he was allegedly involved in a marijuana growing operation.

CODE detectives obtained a search warrant for Ebbensgarrd’s vehicles and residence using the information gained from the surveillance, and with the assistance of Bend Police officers they executed the warrant about 3:30 p.m. November 21.

Detectives found false walls that were built into the attached garage, creating a hidden room used to conceal the growing operation, said Sgt. Scott Shelton.  They also seized a sophisticated video surveillance system which monitored the exterior of the home.

About 65 marijuana plants in varying stages of maturity, a small amount of processed marijuana, gram quantity weight scales, and packaging bags were also seized.

According to Sgt. Shelton, the marijuana found in the drug raid had the potential to produce seven to eight pounds of usable product valued at $24,000.

The Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE Team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force comprised of detectives from all Central Oregon law enforcement agencies including:  Bend Police Department, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Prineville Police Department, Oregon State Police, Jefferson County Sheriffs Department, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Deschutes County District Attorney and the Oregon National Guard.

• This really sucks.... Cops should be more concerned about busting meth labs than a pot smoker/grower. I smoke pot, so what? I don't grow it, but I partake with friends daily. I've even gotten high with several of our city's finest ;)
(Posted on November 27, 2006, 5:59 pm 420Friendly)