Investigation leads to seizure of more in Rutherford Co.

The Columbus Police Department arrested two suspects on drug charges during an early morning vehicle stop on Industrial Drive, near Polk County High School, on June 22.

The arrests led to the discovery of one pound of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. A subsequent investigation, in cooperation with the Rutherford County Sheriff&squo;s Department, led to the seizure of an additional three and one half pounds of marijuana at the home of one of the suspects in Rutherford County.

Columbus police arrested Joshua Charles Glynn, 28, of Rutherford County. According to the police department, he was placed under a $20,000 bond and charged with six felonies and one misdemeanor, including possession with intent to sell marijuana; conspiring to sell marijuana; felony marijuana possession; promoting drug sales by a minor; possession with 1,000 feet of a school; maintaining a vehicle for controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jose Miguel Mata, 16, of Henderson County was also arrested. According to Columbus police, he was placed under $4,000 bond, and charged with three felonies and one misdemeanor, including marijuana possession with intent to sell; felony marijuana possession; conspiring to sell marijuana; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the arrests, officers seized one pound of marijuana; the suspects&squo; vehicle; and U.S. currency.

According to Columbus Police Department spokesperson Lt. Chris Beddingfield, Officer Chris Buchanan noticed a suspicious vehicle exiting Industrial Drive around 3 am.

Buchanan stopped the vehicle and subsequently discovered the marijuana in the car. Buchanan was assisted by Columbus Police Officer Nicholas Stott. The officers also received assistance from the Polk County Sheriff&squo;s Office and the Tryon Police Department during the initial investigation.

The Rutherford County Sheriff&squo;s Department, working with information provided by the Columbus Police Department, later seized the additional three and one-half pounds of marijuana in Rutherford County.

Lt. Beddingfield called the arrests and investigation &dquo;significant&dquo; and praised the efforts of the officers involved. &dquo;Teamwork and multi-agency cooperation were crucial and a key component of the success of this investigation,&dquo; Beddingfield said.