KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and Michigan State Police officials have announced the start of the Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program (DCE/SP) in western Michigan. 

DCE/SP is a law enforcement initiative aimed at eradicating illegally grown marijuana in Michigan.   KVET officers, along with state troopers and sheriff's deputies, will work to locate and seize marijuana plants.  Officers will be seeking out both outdoor and indoor grow operations.  Similar DCE/SP enforcement efforts are scheduled throughout the state.

On Wednesday, July 23, 2008, KVET, while working in conjunction with the Michigan Air National Guard, searched the northern portion of Kalamazoo County and seized 20 marijuana plants.  24 more plants were seized behind a residence in the 1200 block of Meachem Drive, which is in Calhoun County near the northeastern Kalamazoo County line.  In addition to the marijuana plants that were growing behind the residence, processed marijuana and a loaded .38 caliber handgun were found inside the residence. 

This case remains under investigation, however two suspects, a 49-year-old female and a 27-year-old male, have been identified. 

Anyone with information regarding the suspected growing of marijuana or other illegal drug activity is urged to contact KVET at 269-337-8880, Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com