By David Purtell

david.purtell@salisburypost.com

GRANITE QUARRY — A married couple received multiple drug charges Sunday after marijuana plants were discovered in their backyard.

Charles Devon Purser, 44, and Melanie Martin Purser, 43, both of 221 Yost Farm Road, were arrested after pilots flying in a North Carolina State Highway Patrol helicopter saw marijuana plants in the backyard of their home, according to the Granite Quarry-Faith Joint Police Authority. The pilots alerted police and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.

While still above the area, the pilots saw a man and a woman removing the plants from the yard.

Officers arrived at the house and detained the Pursers while waiting for a search warrant. Once the warrant arrived, police found a large amount of potting soil and flower pots in the house along with marijuana leaves. Marijuana plants were sticking out of the garbage disposal in the kitchen sink. More plants were found in and outside the house and in a detached garage. Police estimate that 32 marijuana plants were recovered.

The Pursers were both charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver, felony maintaing a dwelling for manufacture/sell/deliver marijuana, simple possession of marijuana and simple possession of drug paraphernalia.

They were taken to the Rowan County Detention Center under $10,000 secured bond. Their first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.

Contact Reporter David Purtell at 704-797-4264.