Staff report

Ian Ireland, 46, of Fairfield, pled guilty on July 22 in federal court to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, along with conspiracy to launder money, Monte Stiles, assistant U.S. attorney, said Monday.

Sentencing is set for Jan. 20, 2009, before U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill in Boise. Ireland faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $4 million on the first charge, along with a maximum of 20 years and a $500,000 fine on the second.

Authorities found Ireland in possession of 75 pounds of marijuana at the time of his arrest in California, while 27 pounds of marijuana was found at his Fairfield home.

Ireland admitted to manufacturing and distributing marijuana and cocaine over a 10-year period. Money from the sale and distribution of the drugs was illegally invested in real estate in Idaho, California, and elsewhere, and used to purchase other assets, federal officials said.

Ireland also admitted to smuggling and arranging for smuggling of drugs into Canada, and was involved in a Buhl marijuana growing operation raided in December 2003.

The four-year investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Gooding County Sheriff's Office and IRS Criminal Investigation.

Property seized as a result of the arrest will be auctioned at the Gooding County Fairgrounds at 11 a.m., Aug. 8.