HIGHER-GRADE MARIJUANA TURNING UP IN AREA, OFFICIALS SAY

KEARNEY -- High-grade marijuana is quickly becoming the popular drug
among area users, law enforcement officials say.

Within the last six months to a year, drug investigators with the
Buffalo County Sheriff's Office, the Kearney Police Department and the
Nebraska State Patrol have seen an increase in the quality of marijuana.

Known as kind bud, KB, medical or hydro, the higher THC content makes
the drug a higher grade. THC is the main ingredient in marijuana.

"Seventy-five percent of the complaints I receive are about people
dealing pot," said Gabe Kowalek, a KPD investigator. "It's always been
the most frequently used drug in our area."

Police investigations show much of the high-grade marijuana in the
Kearney area is coming from Colorado, where the drug is legal for
medical purposes. In many instances, people who have medical cards to
legally purchase the high-quality drug in Colorado are selling it illegally.

"This isn't just happening in our area," Kowalek said. "It's happening
everywhere."

Some of the marijuana purchased by police informants in a recent drug
sting was the high-grade marijuana.

High-grade marijuana costs $100 to $120 for 1/4 ounce, while the
lesser quality -- known as "schwag" -- costs $25 for 1/4 ounce.

Although marijuana remains the most frequently used drug in
south-central Nebraska, police also investigate many cases of
possession and distribution of meth and prescription drugs.

Kowalek encouraged anyone who suspects illegal drug activity to report
it to law enforcement immediately.