BROOKINGS – A Brookings man was arrested on distribution charges after drugs were allegedly found at his home and his health food store, which is in a drug-free zone, according to Brookings Police.
Zachary Halstead, 35, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute in a drug-free zone, and possession or use of drug paraphernalia, according to a probable cause statement from Brookings Police.
Police were alerted at 3:09 p.m. Thursday of an odor of marijuana coming from the business, Nature’s Paradise, located at 417 Main Ave., Assistant Chief Derrick Powers said.
“The odor was going into a neighboring business,” Powers said.
By the time officers arrived, the owner had left the business. “We were able to recognize the odor of marijuana coming from the business,” Powers said.
Officers made contact with Halstead.
“The investigation led to a search warrant being conducted at the business and at the individual’s residence,” Powers said.
At the business, officers found marijuana, marijuana wax, paraphernalia, and “evidence that marijuana was being distributed from the business,” Powers said.
At the residence, officers found drug items, including mushrooms, he added.
Approximately a half-pound of marijuana was found, Powers added. The business is within 1,000 feet of the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
Halstead was transported to the Brookings County Detention Center but is now free on a $5,000 cash-only bond.
His initial court appearance is set for Oct. 21.
