When Colorado began allowing the legal sale of recreational marijuana in January 2104, law enforcement officials in other states warned it would lead headaches in their communities.

That proved true on Cedar Creek Lake on April 9 when the Malakoff Police Department received a tip from Citizens Bank about possible forged checks being passed by two women. The police investigation led to the discovery of a large quanity of marijuana purchased in Colorado and $14,000 in cash.

Lieutenant Thomas and Officer Cook of Malakoff PD responded to the call.  Officer Cook arrived first and detained the two female subjects for questioning.  The females were identified as Nateleigh Brooke Organ, 21, of Eustace and Savanna Brooke Foster, 23, of Wills Point. 

When Lieutenant Thomas responded, the two officers began questioning Organ and Foster about the checks.  During the investigation, Lieutenant Floyd determined that the checks were forged and the subjects were placed into custody.  Sergeant Hart, also of Malakoff PD, was called to transport the subjects to the Henderson County Jail while Floyd and Cook continued the investigation. 

During the subsequent investigation, bank officials requested that the vehicle in which the Organ and Foster were traveling, be removed from the bank parking lot.    Before impounding the vehicle, Officer Cook, by police policy, began inventorying the vehicle prior to it be transported to an impound yard.   As Cook began his inventory, he noticed a strong smell of marijuana coming from within the vehicle.  Cook discovered a large quantity of marijuana inside the vehicle along with approximately $14,000 in cash and a firearm. 

Further investigation revealed that the subjects were purchasing the marijuana legally in Colorado and transporting it illegally to Henderson County for re-packaging and sale.  Some of the marijuana was still in its original packaging from the supplier in Colorado bearing the names “Spicy White Devil”, “Mango Kush”, and “Tiger’s Milk” among others.   

District Attorney Investigator Balde Qunitinilla also responded to the scene to assist with the investigation with assistance from DA McKee.  Investigators and Detectives also discovered bullet holes in the suspects’ vehicle and learned that they were the subject of an attempted robbery in Van Zandt County.

Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee applauded the efforts of the Malakoff PD in the investigation and intervening in the dangerous business of the drug trade.  “These two young females are engaged in a very dangerous business.”  Said McKee.  “Getting involved in the trafficking of marijuana is not only dangerous, but will eventually land you in jail.”  McKee also warned that although the sale and purchase of marijuana is legal in some states, it is still very much illegal in Texas.