A pair of cannabis growers in Vermont recently helped local police set up a sting operation to catch two suspects accused of stealing pot plants from their farm.
Zachary Lake of Terpslurfer Farms and Jesse Cooke of Vail Farm Cannabis run separate businesses on the same property in Bennington.
Late last month, their security cameras caught two men who had jumped the property's fence, cut down several cannabis plants and got away with the goods.
Lake and Cooke were able to confirm the identities of both suspects and contact one of them, who allegedly admitted to stealing the plants.
They then worked with Bennington Police to plan the sting operation before setting up a meeting with the suspects to retrieve the stolen plants, valued at $15,000 to $20,000.
The suspects were each arraigned on counts of grand larceny, unlawful mischief, and unlawful trespass, according to the Bennington Banner.
If found guilty, they could face combined sentences of more than 11 years in prison.
“These crimes were committed against two new small business owners that rely on the income from the farm to survive,” said Cooke. “My family has dedicated their lives to this land for over 200 years and the way it was disrespected is unforgivable.”