News Story - Idaho State Journal

BLACKFOOT -- At a press conference Friday morning, Bingham County Sheriff Dave Johnson displayed the marijuana and cash proceeds alleged to be part of a drug enterprise alleged to have been operated out of Collet's Bar in Firth for several years.

Donald Collet, 46, was arrested after a search warrant was served Thursday at the bar. Collet faces charges of felony possession of a controlled substance, felony possession with intent to distribute and felony attempt to manufacture marijuana.

Law enforcement confiscated approximately 11.9 ounces of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $4,800. Also seized was $2,315 in currency and a small amount of methamphetamine.

"They worked on this for over two years," Johnson said, referring to sheriff's detectives who made several undercover buys from Collet during the investigation.

Johnson said the availability of marijuana at the establishment was known by many in the area.

He said Firth locals may have wished for a swifter resolution, but the investigation had to be done properly.

"You're always looking for the bigger guy," Johnson said.

Also taken from the bar was a hydroponics system.

"I don't really think he had a chance to use it," Johnson said, noting that Collet allegedly obtained the system from a bar patron in exchange for paying off a bar tab.

Collet is currently incarcerated on a $25,000 bond.

By John Bulger

This document was originally published online on Saturday, August 16, 2008

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