Warrant targets pot parties behind Westport farm

Posted 10/3/18

She has appeared recently before the Town Council and Planning Board urging that farmers be allowed to grow marijuana to sell to out of town stores, but police now say that Averyl Andrade, 38, of New …

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Warrant targets pot parties behind Westport farm

Posted

She has appeared recently before the Town Council and Planning Board urging that farmers be allowed to grow marijuana to sell to out of town stores, but police now say that Averyl Andrade, 38, of New Bedford, was also involved in hosting pot parties behind her fields.

At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, several members of the Westport Police Department executed a search warrant at 566 and 576 American Legion Highway for the possible illegal cultivation of marijuana plants.

Property owner Timothy L. Barreira Sr. had leased his property at 528 American Legion Highway to Between the Rows LLC.

Detective Jeff Majewski said in a press release that, for several weeks, Between the Rows had been advertising and promoting marijuana parties on another address at the Barreira property, located at 560 American Legion Highway. This larger parcel of property abuts Westport’s Russell Davis Youth Soccer Field.

Between the Rows LLC is listed as having several managing partners including Averyl Andrade, her husband Nathan Andrade, Jill Harris (Mr. Barreira’s long-time girlfriend) and others.

On Aug. 26, Detective Majewski said, Between the Rows hosted a marijuana “Farm Sesh” party there. The party was promoted on the Internet and tickets were sold. Viewers were sent to a link where they could buy party tickets via credit card for $30. The advertisement stated that there would be food and vendors. The ad also stated the that first 50 guests would receive a goody bag. Westport Police arrested one impaired driver after this party, whom Det. Majewski said had marijuana on him from one of those vendors.

Between the Rows also posted another upcoming party for Oct. 20. This Farm Sesh 2.0 ad stated that the ticket included a meal and a DAB bar. It also advertised marijuana vendors at the event.

As a result of this information the Westport Police began an investigation led by Detective Sergeant Chris Dunn. Other investigators from area departments participated along with the Massachusetts State Police and the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Two search warrants were obtained and marijuana plants in excess of the legal limit were located. In total, 19 marijuana plants were discovered. Averyl and Nathan Andrade arrived at the property while the warrant was being served, the detective said. She said that some of the marijuana was from Healthy Futures/Between the Rows and other plants belonged to Ms. Harris. Averyl also told investigators she had additional marijuana plants at her home in New Bedford.

Ms. Andrade, 38, of New Bedford was arrested on motor vehicle warrant and operating a vehicle with a suspended license.

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