Massive pot bust in Pueblo is no surprise to neighbors
A massive pot bust in Pueblo County lands a man in jail.
It happened in the 38,000 block of Busch road in Avondale.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s office said 45-year-old Mario Gonsalves was arrested for having several times more marijuana than is allowed.
Sheriff’s deputies say there were about 600 marijuana plants. As a medical grower, Gonsalves is allowed to have 75.
That ,combined with more than 75-pounds of dried marijuana, led them to believe he was growing for more than just doctors.
But what happened in this house doesn’t surprise Barry Jones.
“I’m just disappointed,” said neighbor Barry Jones. “I’ve got three boys, they’re out running around playing all the time.”
He’s lived in Avondale for 20 years, but only now has seen a lot of police activity.
“We had another one, that came down a little later. One had the lights on, the other didn’t. They started walking around the house,” Jones said.
Sheriff’s deputies say they found six times the amount of pot found at this home.
Gonsalves admitted he was growing for medicinal purposes. But had more plants than is allowed by law and was arrested for possession with the intent to manufacture and marijuana cultivation.
The estimated value: $175,000.
“I never really talked with them or anything. It’s a pretty quiet area. Never even met them,” Jones said.
Some neighbors say this recent bust sums up their concerns. They’re worried these grow operations are becoming so big, the product isn’t going to doctors, it’s going to the black market.
And their concerns are shared by their county leaders.
“I’m glad the sheriff’s office is going after the malpractices, particularly the caregiver,” said Pueblo County Commissioner Sal Pace.
Commissioner Sal Pace says he’s pushed for more regulation of the medical grow industry.
“The Health Department won’t tell us where they are, who they are. We can’t ensure there’s testing or product safety with any of these materials,” said Pace.
Gonsalves is out on $5,000 bond.
