Drug bust nets five Gardnerville men

A drug raid in Gardnerville turned into an impromptu sting when officers continued to take phone orders for marijuana.

Members of the Tri-Net Narcotics task force seized marijuana with a street value of several thousand dollars after an anonymous tip led them to investigate a bodyguard for the rap group Naughty by Nature.

Tri-Net, along with Douglas County Sheriff's Office deputies and Nevada Division of Investigation officers, arrested Ian Matthew Atack, 30, at Minden Auto Electric, 1215 Service Drive, last week in connection with a felon failure to register, possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

Tri-Net Lt. Steve Albertsen said after the tip officers began surveillance of Atack and discovered he was a convicted felon from California, but had not registered as a felon in Gardnerville. They arrested him at the auto shop where he had taken his car and then went to the apartment on Lampe Drive that he was sharing with his nephew, Benjamin Atack, 22, to conduct a probation search of his bedroom, Albertsen said.

At the apartment, Ben Atack would not consent to a search of the apartment. Officers obtained a search warrant and found marijuana. Officers arrested Marshall Wright, 18, in connection with possession of drug paraphernalia and the younger Atack, a glazier for Wayne's Glass, in connection with possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.

During a search of the residence, investigators located more than three pounds of marijuana, scales, and items used to package and sell marijuana, along with a list of drug customers.

Albertsen said while at the apartment, officers continually answered phone calls from people placing orders for marijuana.

Albertsen said that on a number of occasions, investigators would answer the phone stating they were the police and the caller would laugh and then place an order for drugs.

"Two people also came to the apartment and purchased marijuana from an investigator," Albertsen said. "They still did not believe we were the police until after they were arrested."

Justin Banks, 22, and Jason Dunbar, 25, were arrested in connection with possession of marijuana.

Albertsen said the marijuana was being sold for $150 for a quarter of an ounce.

The Tri-Net task force includes investigators from the sheriff's offices of Douglas County, Carson City, Lyon County, Storey County and officers from the Nevada Division of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

To report drug activity, call the task force at 687-1658.