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Lakeport man arrested for possession of drugs, weapon and explosive device
LAKEPORT, Calif. – A Lakeport man was arrested last week after he was found to be in possession of drugs, a firearm and an explosive device during a probation search.
Randy Lee Cose, 37, was arrested on the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 27, following a search conducted by the Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
Brooks said narcotics detectives had received information that Cose was residing in a travel trailer, located in the 2800 block of Scotts Valley Road.
Detectives were unable to locate Cose upon their arrival, but they did find 59 mature marijuana plants, which were in the late flowering stage. A few minutes later Cose arrived and confirmed he had been living there for several months, Brooks said.
During the search detectives located a loaded rifle inside the trailer, which was leaning against the bed. Brooks said they also located a small amount of methamphetamine in an ashtray, which was inside a cabinet above the stove.
Outside the trailer, positioned on a tree branch, was a metal cylinder with what appeared to be a wick sticking out of the top. Based on the appearance, detectives believed it was some type of explosive device, Brooks said.
Upon further examination detectives were able to render the device safe and collect individual components for evidence and forensic testing. The marijuana, methamphetamine, rifle and ammunition also were seized and collected as evidence, according to Brooks.
Cose denied ownership of the methamphetamine and said the “bomb” they found belonged to someone else, Brooks said.
Brooks said Cose explained the rifle was his and was given to him by someone who owed him money. Cose denied using marijuana and said the only reason he has a medical recommendation is so he would not get into trouble for having the plants.
Cose told detectives none of the marijuana plants were his and he was going to be financially compensated for allowing them to be grown there, Brooks said.
Detectives arrested Cose for possession of a controlled substance, cultivating marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales, being armed while committing a drug offense, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an explosive device, Brooks said.
Cose was transported to the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility and booked. Bail was set at $45,000, and he remained in custody on Wednesday, according to jail records.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Task Force can be reached through its anonymous tip line at 707-263-3663.