>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

The Union County Sheriff’s Office said today that a man was arrested and 60 mature marijuana plants were seized in a raid  Wednesday on Glass Hill near La Grande.

The arrested man was identified as David M. Dunn, 48.  Dunn’s address was unavailable at press time, though the sheriff’s office said he has a California’s driver’s license.

Union County Sheriff Boyd Rasmussen said investigation into the alleged medical marijuana growing site began after authorities received a tip from a hunter.

The case was investigated by the multi-agency MERIT drug task force, with assistance from the La Grande Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

MERIT Deputy Bill Miller led the investigation, Rasmussen said. MERIT Detective Gary Bell of the La Grande Police Department supervised.

Union County Search and Rescue, the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife all helped with the seizure Wednesday, Rasmussen said.

“All local agencies worked very efficiently together to bring about the arrest. I appreciate the hard work of those involved and also the significant resources dedicated by the La Grande Police Department,” Rasmussen said.

The sheriff added that the hunter’s tip was crucial.

“It clearly demonstrates the need for citizens to call and assist law enforcement when they see suspected drug activity,” he said.

Rasmussen said the owner of the Glass Hill property was not aware of the grow operation and was cooperative with the investigation.