By Paula Ann Solis
Staff Writer
The Waco Police Department continues to investigate Leander senior Russell Allen Attwood, 21, after an elaborate marijuana growth structure was found Wednesday in his apartment, said Sgt. Patrick Swanton, the Waco police public information officer.
Attwood was arrested Wednesday and charged with possession of more than 2 ounces of marijuana. He was released Thursday on a $1,000 bond.
In Attwood’s apartment, located less than a mile from campus in the 1900 block of South 12th Street, police confiscated 10 hydroponic marijuana plants. Hydroponic plants use sophisticated technology and a nutrient solution rather than regular soil, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency.
Another 40 grams of marijuana, scales, smoking pipes, Adderall tablets and two bongs were found. Swanton said Attwood might face further charges because the Adderall tablets were not prescribed to him.
Swanton said the Street Crimes Unit found out about the high-level marijuana growth-system after a string of leads. The unit is in charge of investigating open-air drug markets and hot spot drug areas in Waco.
Though this is the seventh Baylor student arrested on drug charges during the 2013-2014 school year, drug-related crimes near campus are not higher than expected or unusual for the area, Swanton said.
“Drug sales go on all over the area and they are not specifically related to Baylor,” Swanton said. “Anytime you have a supply and demand someone is going to reach that need. People deal drugs wherever they think they can sell them.”
Lori Fogleman, Baylor’s assistant vice president for media relations, said Attwood is still enrolled at Baylor. The policy statement on alcohol and drugs states any student found on or off campus in possession of drugs is subject to disciplinary action ranging from warning to expulsion.
