By Rupert Howell
An investigation continues to find and locate the owner of 22 pounds of marijuana found early Friday morning near Como in an unoccupied dwelling where Panola County K9 officer Emily Griffin responded to an attempted burglary call.

A news release from Panola County’s Narcotics Task Force said Griffin noticed someone had attempted to gain entry and she conducted a search of the dwelling with her K9, Able, who alerted to the bar between the kitchen and living room area.

“Griffin discovered approximately 22 pounds of marijuana hidden in the bar,” according to the news release that said the K-9 officer then notified Agent Gray Nickels with Panola Narcotics Task Force.

According to PNTF, the department has handled 357 cases from October 2012 through December 2013. Of those cases, 191 involved marijuana, 63 cocaine, 50 prescription medication, 24 methamphetamine, five ecstasy, one LSD, one steroids and 22 other.

The number of arrest for those offenses totaled 183 with an explanation that some subjects were arrested for multiple offenses. Fines, fees and restitution awarded totaled $101,753.90 .