NATCHEZ — Two Natchez men were arrested and more than a quarter of a million dollars in drugs, weapons and cash were seized in a series of drug searches Tuesday.

Local businessman Wilmer Howell “Dub” Rogers, 60, 58 Stirling Road, and David Anderson, 25, 1116 Main St., Apt. C, were arrested after a months-long investigation by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Group.

During Tuesday’s searches agents seized 22 pounds of medical-grade marijuana, 31 weapons, two vehicles and $7,382 in cash.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said in a statement the street value of the drugs is estimated to be more than $250,000. The value of the weapons is estimated to  be more than $25,000 Patten said.

Patten said agents executed the first warrant Tuesday at 58 Stirling Road where they arrested Rogers in his residence and seized 21 pounds of marijuana, 30 weapons and $3,550 in cash. Agents also seized a laptop computer, two cell phones, packing material and digital scales. Patten said Rogers reportedly claimed ownership of the marijuana and owned all of the weapons.

Patten said deputies then went to one of Roger’s businesses at 13 Ridgeway Road and seized another 1/2-pound of marijuana hidden on the property.

Patten said Rogers allowed the search of four other properties Rogers owns in Natchez, including Smoot’s Grocery at 319 N. Broadway St., where agents seized a computer hard drive and a truck.

The sheriff said agents also executed a search warrant of Anderson’s Main Street apartment where they arrested Anderson and seized 1/2–pound of medical-grade marijuana, a handgun, drug paraphernalia and $3,832 in cash.

Rogers is charged with trafficking a schedule I controlled substance with two enhancements — possession of narcotics while in possession of a weapon and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.

Anderson is charged with possession of a schedule I drug in a church zone and possession of drug paraphernalia.

No bond has been set in either case. The two men remained in jail Tuesday.

Patten said his office’s investigation has revealed that medical-grade marijuana has been brought to Adams County approximately every three to four months for the last couple of years from a California grower.

Patten said Rogers reportedly then sold the marijuana to others for resale.

“The marijuana would then be distributed to a few close associates of Rogers, like Anderson, and then would make its way to the street level where it could be sold for as much as $30 a gram,” Patten said.

The sheriff said the profit margin of medical-grade is very high, especially in southwest Mississippi.

“This type of marijuana is sold on the street for $1,000 a pound in California, but in Adams County it can be sold for $3,000 wholesale, or if you sell it for $20 a gram, it would bring $8,960,” the sheriff said.

Patten said even though the investigation is ongoing and other arrests are possible, Tuesday’s drug busts are significant.

“There is no doubt that this investigation has cut off a steady supply of medical-grade marijuana being sold in Adams County,” Patten said.