On September 21, 2010, the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division executed a search warrant and subsequently conducted a search at 634 Running Deer Trail.

As follow-up to an ongoing narcotics investigation and intelligence information, detectives were able to establish probable cause and applied for a search warrant on the above identified house. When Detectives gained access to the residence a large scale, highly sophisticated hydroponic marijuana growing operation was discovered inside the residence.  A Ryan Matthew Melville, age 24,of 634 Running Deer Trail Boone, NC, was found to be inside.  The growing operation took up ¾ of the home and consisted of 95 marijuana plants in various stages of growth and maturity.  Ryan Melville was taken before the magistrate and charged with Trafficking in Marijuana, Manufacturing Marijuana, and Possession with the Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana. 
He was held on a $10,000 secured bond pending his court date.  The total amount of finished marijuana seized from the residence weighed approximately 45 lbs, with a total street value of the marijuana was $152,000.  Information revealed that Mr. Melville was acting alone, however, the investigation is ongoing and further charges and arrests are expected.