Michael Martin

Two Paden City residents are facing felony drug charges after they were observed near the city park carrying potted marijuana plants on June 23.

Michael Richard Martin, age 19, and Andrew Scott Laugh, age 20, both of Paden City, are charged with cultivation of marijuana after they were spotted carrying pots with what appeared to be marijuana.

According to Chief Michael BIlliter of the Paden City Police Department, the duo planned to plant the marijuana on the riverbank. “The two were observed with the plant. One was carrying it and the other was carrying a shovel.”

They were placed under arrest by Patrolman Michael Owens of the PCPD.

Martin and Laugh were being housed in Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville. Bail was set at $5,000 for each.

Andrew Laugh

The matter is still under investigation.