Motel manager arrested
for growing pot

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Jim Tiffin
Cibola County Bureau

GRANTS — Victor Diaz, the live-in manager of the Francsican Lodge, 1101 E. Santa Fe Ave., was arrested Wednesday in connection with growing marijuana plants at the motel, Grants Police Detective Sgt. John Castaneda said.

The Middle Rio Grande Valley Drug Task Force received information at its Gallup office that Diaz was growing the plants, he said.

“We went down to Grants and conducted surveillance and when we saw him moving the plants we obtained a search warrant, in conjunction with Grants Police, and executed it,” Lt. George Justice, McKinley County Sheriff’s Department said.

Eleven plants were found at the motel and most were 2- to 3-feet high, Castaneda said.

“These were not baby plants,” he said.

The plants were all in buckets and were outside growing during daylight and moved inside at night, Justice said.
Castaneda said Diaz is being charged in connection with possession of marijuana, over 8 ounces and intent to distribute, both fourth degree felonies.

Each count is punishable by up to 18 months in state prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both, if Diaz is prosecuted and convicted.

He is currently in custody in the Cibola County Detention Center on a $20,000 cash surety bond on each count, Lt. David Sisneros, a supervisor at the detention center, said.

A preliminary hearing has been set for Oct. 21 in Cibola County Magistrate Court, unless the case is bound over to the 13th Judicial District Court to be presented to the grand jury. Many drug cases such as this are bound over to the grand jury.

To contact reporter Jim Tiffin call (505) 287-2197