Police find three pounds of marijuana

By Roseann Moring

Published March 11, 2008

Police arrested a Columbia man on suspicion of distribution, delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia at 10:25 p.m. Friday, police said.

Jonathan R. March, 24, was arrested at his residence after Columbia police found about three pounds of marijuana, scales, more than $2,200 in cash and five firearms, according to a news release.

CPD Lt. Scott Young said he does not think this is related to a 27-person indictment for drugs that happened over the weekend.

“I think this was a separate deal,” he said.

The release stated two of the firearms were stolen.

Police also shot two “aggressive” pit bulls, according to the release.

One of the dogs died and Columbia Animal Control took custody of the other.

Young said it is uncommon to find pit bulls, firearms and such large amounts of drugs.

“Most of the time you have one of those things, maybe two,” he said. “It’s not unusual for us to find a firearm, but so many, and some stolen, that’s a little unusual.”

The news release stated police officers used noise flash diversionary devices to enter the duplex. Young said the devices help police surprise a suspect.

“The goal is to surprise and stun people into a second or two of inactivity to allow officers to enter safely,” he said.