The Picayune Police Department’s Narcotics Division recently has been receiving information regarding a marijuana plant being grown behind a residence on Adcox Road, said Jeremy Magri, assistant to the chief of police.

On Wednesday, at 10:09 a.m., officers were able to use binoculars to observe a plant that was believed to be a marijuana plant, approximately five-feet-tall, growing in the backyard at 1505 Adcox Rd.

“Once the Narcotics Division was able to observe the plant, officers went to the residence,” Magri said. Officers were then given consent to search the home, he said.  

While searching the home, “a large bong, used to smoke marijuana, was recovered,” he said. “At which time, officers went to search the backyard.”

In the backyard, located behind a travel camper, a plant, believed to be a marijuana plant, was recovered, said Magri. The alleged marijuana plant was being grown in a medium-sized, clay flower pot and the stalk had been recently trimmed.

Patricia Beard, 61, was taken into custody and charged with manufacturing a controlled substance within 1,500 feet of a church or school and with possession of paraphernalia.

Beard is in custody at the Picayune Criminal Justice Center awaiting a bond hearing.