Agents roll out drug arrest on Coarsegold man (Madera Cty)

Agents roll out drug arrest on Coarsegold man

Friday, March 11, 2005 - Published on Wednesday &
Friday http://www.sierrastar.com/031105agentsroll.html
By David Richards
<mailto:editor [at] sierrastar.com>editor [at] sierrastar.com

A Coarsegold man with a medical marijuana card faces felony drug
charges after agents from the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team
(MADNET) seized more than 200 marijuana plants growing on his property
mid-day Monday, March 8, plus more than two pounds of processed marijuana.

According to a release provided by Erica Stuart, public information
officer for the Madera County Sheriff's Department, Donato Canceleno, 62,
faces charges of cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.

A total of 216 plants were discovered in various stages of growth,
located in an indoor grow setup in a semi-trailer on City View Drive off of
Raymond Road [415] in Coarsegold.

Agents found the two pounds of processed marijuana inside a car
parked next to the semi and nearly a quarter pound of marijuana inside
Canceleno's home.

Agents valued the entire stash at $5,000 dollars.

Also discovered in the search was a scale, three boxes of baggies and
a loaded revolver.

According to MADNET, there is a limit to the amount of medical
marijuana a card member can own. The limit is either six mature plants or
12 immature plants. The District Attorney's Office alleges that Canceleno
surpassed his "medically legal" limit.

A tip to MADNET's hotline led agents to Canceleno's home.

Anyone with information regarding illicit drug activity in Madera
County is urged to call (559) 675-7776. Callers may remain anonymous.