FORT WAYNE — A collaborative effort between the Indiana State Police and the Allen County Drug Task Force this past Friday afternoon resulted in both the seizure of nearly 850 marijuana plants and the arrest of a man from Fort Wayne.

In early August of this year, a tip from a concerned citizen to the Allen County Drug Task Force initiated the investigation in which the State Police’s assistance was requested.

On Friday at approximately 4:20 p.m., following a nearly two month long investigation, Juan Abel Navarrete-Garcia, a 39 year old from Fort Wayne was caught “green-handed” in one of the three plots he utilized in southwest Allen County, and was apprehended by Troopers following a short foot chase.

The seized cultivated marijuana plants had an estimated street value of more than $500,000.

A member of the Drug Task Force commented, “While we try to utilize the best resources possible, including partnerships with other agencies, sometimes the best sources in the battle against drugs are the tips we get from the general public”.

Navarrete-Garcia was incarcerated in the Allen County Jail on the following preliminary charges:

Cultivating Marijuana, Level 6 Felony

Dealing Marijuana, Level 5 Felony

Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor

The public is always encouraged to report illegal drug activity to their local law enforcement agency or by calling their nearest Indiana State Police post. To find a post, the public can visit online.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law.