Huge bust in Estacada yields $1.5M in weed

ESTACADA, Ore. - Clackamas County Sheriff's deputies said a raid on a property near Estacada Monday evening turned up over 750 pot plants and a sophisticated growing operation. One person has been arrested so far.

Deputies said the seized pot has a street value of about $1.5 million.

Deputies served a search warrant on a 40-acre parcel of land outside Estacada they said was purchased for cash and never developed, except for two pole barns.

Monday evening, the Clackamas County Inter-agency Task Force entered the property and found the growing and harvesting operation.

Deputies said a man living in a lean-to was arrested. Identified as Allen Steggall, deputies said it appeared he was taking care of the plants and involved in the harvest. He had outstanding warrants for drug charges in Multnomah County.

Steggall was bailed out of jail and deputies said they think the $19,000 in cash used to free him was likely proceeds from drug sales.

Neighbors said the new owner was very concerned about privacy but there was a lot of vehicle traffic in and out of the property.

Deputies said they expect to make more arrests as the investigation continues.