Cecil man faces drug charges
A Cecil Township man was charged Friday by township police after officers said they found a suspected marijuana-growing operation while responding to a neighborhood dispute last week.
Frederick G. Zacour, 73, of 30 Vertical Drive, Canonsburg, is charged with manufacture of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and marijuana plants, possession of paraphernalia and harassment.
Police were called just before 1 p.m. Wednesday to 33 Vertical for a civil complaint. Police were told by the residents Zacour came over and got into the alleged victim’s face, telling him “I’ll put you to sleep” and “I’ll bury you.” The alleged victim told police he tried to shut the door, but Zacour used his foot to keep it open. After the man was able to shut the door, he called 911.
The alleged victim told police the argument was over Zacour allegedly growing marijuana plants, as well as a lot of vehicle traffic at his home at 30 Vertical. The man also told police he had expressed his concern to Zacour in the past because children play in that area.
When police spoke with Zacour in the driveway of his home, he reportedly admitted making the threatening statements but said it was done in the heat of the moment. When Zacour was asked about the marijuana plants, police said he became extremely nervous and had to sit on the ground.
Zacour allegedly admitted to having eight plants, telling police he had been smoking marijuana his whole life. When Zacour’s friend opened the door to the house to get the 73-year-old’s identification, police said they could smell a strong odor of marijuana.
Zacour reportedly gave police permission to search his home and the surrounding area. Police said they found a drying room with three plants that were about 4 to 5 feet tall, as well as a floor fan and dehumidifier.
Police said they also found marijuana hanging in a closet, screens used to dry marijuana and jars. Next to the house, there was a greenhouse with another eight plants about 5 feet tall, police said. The evidence was seized.
The charges were sent by summons from the office of District Judge Traci McDonald. Zacour is scheduled for a July 27 preliminary hearing before McDonald.